Quinnipiac University's president has apologized for jokingly telling students at a party he would buy nearby residential houses, inflaming already sore town-gown relations.
John Lahey said Wednesday he made an "ill-advised attempt" Saturday to be humorous and regrets making light of a serious matter about off-campus housing in Hamden.
An amateur video captured Lahey saying to students, "I didn't even know this street existed. I'm going to have to buy all these houses," as the crowd roared. "I've got all of New Road, and most of Whitney Avenue, but I didn't realize you're kind of tucked away back here," he told the crowd.
Lahey said he apologized to interim Mayor Jim Pascarella and renewed his commitment to work with the town to resolve student housing problems.
From the statement:
Last Saturday, I attended five student events on and off campus, including the Senior Awards Ceremony, the Undergraduate Awards Ceremony, a University baseball game, a student veterans' barbecue, and on my way home in the early afternoon, at the invitation of some graduating seniors, I made a brief appearance at their off-campus house party. In speaking to students at the house party, and in an obvious but ill-advised attempt to be humorous with them, I unfortunately made light of what is clearly a serious matter with respect to off-campus student housing in Hamden. I deeply regret having made these remarks, for which I sincerely apologize. I have already personally conveyed this apology to Interim Mayor Jim Pascarella and renewed my commitment to work with him and town officials to resolve these longstanding student housing issues in the immediate future.
The New Haven Register reported that police were called twice to the house where Lahey spoke to break up the party. From the report:
Police were called twice to the house Saturday afternoon — once at 2 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. — to break up the party. Between Friday night and Sunday, police received 17 calls complaining about loud parties in different areas of town.
Pascarella said the town and Quinnipiac should discourage such behavior in residential neighborhoods and was disappointed and concerned that Lahey sent the wrong message.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.