Bill Would Crack Down On Off-Campus Parties Near Towson

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- Calling for a crackdown on off-campus parties. Neighbors are speaking out after a series of disturbances near Towson University.

Now the county is looking at legislation to hold landlords accountable.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the controversy.

This new bill really focuses on the accountability of the property owners who rent to students.

Videos on YouTube claim to show Towson University students at wild off-campus parties, packed with people and lots of booze.

"Our daughters would have trouble getting sleep at night or be woken up late at night," said Paul Hartman.

Hartman has lived near the university for nearly 20 years and has watched the number of students triple.

The number of issues with off-campus houses has also multiplied.

"Noise, litter, public urination," he said.

Towson says last year 62 students were disciplined for off-campus disturbances.

Now Councilman David Marks is proposing a bill to crack down on unruly parties.

"We have stories of people who have lived in Towson for decades who are basically saying enough is enough and who are moving on," said Marks.

The new legislation calls for fines against party hosts and their landlords.

The bill calls for a two-year pilot program in six of the neighborhoods surrounding the university.

For a first offense, a landlord gets a warning. Following offenses -- a $500 to $1,000 fine.

Student hosts face a $500 fine and 20 hours of community service the first time, and goes up from there.

"I think it's unfortunate because college kids don't have that much money anyway," said student Markus Wright.

Students who spoke with WJZ aren't sure why this is happening now.

"Towson is pretty much a college town, so it's like why crack down right now?" said Aaron Ford, student.

As for Paul Hartman, he just wants a peaceful community.

"We love living here," he said.

Under the new bill, multiple citations could lead to a revocation of the landlord's rental license.

The County Council will vote on the new bill next Tuesday.