Elimination of couches on porches became the topic of note for an off-campus focus group on Monday. The group of 35 students, moderated by Ohio State graduate students studying city and regional planning, met to discuss problems with code enforcement issues in the University District.
The general consensus of the group was that couches were not only aesthetically unpleasant, but also could house rodents and act as a fire source for rioters.
Though the city health code already prohibits having stuffed furniture on porches, it is rarely enforced, as is evident by the number of off-campus residences that have couches and recliners on their decks.
While rodent problems in residential areas bring up serious health concerns and couches have been used as makeshift bonfire pits in previous riots, the removal of couches would do very little to aid the problems associated with them.
Concerning unwanted visitors: This problem cannot be attributed to sofas alone — many residents have rodents living within the structures of their homes. And having these unsanitary creatures inside the home raises worse health concerns than sofa mice.
It is true flaming sofas present great danger to both residents and the houses they live in, but there are worse options students could choose — and have chosen — in the absence of upholstery.
But these options — cars and Dumpsters — will not be removed from these areas because of their necessity to daily life — even though they provide a much more serious threat to life and limb.
Most importantly, porch couches are a hallowed college tradition. Any person walking down any road off High Street will see a great deal of porches adorned with tacky couches most upper-class walking suits would consider eyesores.
But these same couches are considered by residents to have character; to be an integral part of their homes. They’re the most comfortable way to enjoy a sunny spring morning and a place to sit and convene with others while not being stuck indoors.
There are other areas of health code that can be examined and worked on. If the University District wishes to improve the area, they should stay away from eliminating a part of college tradition that gives off-campus residents some sense of community.
