By Lou Manzo
Special to the Reporter

The Reporter hit the streets last Friday to ask UMass students and Dorchester residents what they think about UMass-Boston Chancellor Michael Collins's announcement that a new strategic plan for the university might include the construction of student housing.

"They should spend money on parking. I didn't know there was a housing problem."

-Amy Julian, 19
Everett

"This school has an older crowd and dorms will attract a lot more people right out of high school. I'm not in favor of it because this might turn into a party school."

-Allison Cunningham, 22

"I like how everyone is a commuter. There aren't any cliques here, which is nice. Dorms would be very convenient though."

-Christina Ciarfella, 18
Holbrook

"I think we should definitely have dorms. Dorms unite the college and make the experience better. I live at Harbor Point and there are a lot of students there but we don't know each other. Dorms would be great for getting together to do homework and party."

-Henry Nsang, 18
Dorchester

"They should have them because they would help the school. I've been on this campus for twenty five years and it's always been a commuter school. I hope it doesn't change."

-Kevin Spring, UMass-Boston graduate, class of 1996

"I think we should have dorms. They would help retention rates and attract more people. This is a very college friendly area with the bars and the T. One drawback is that there are no dorms. People end up leaving here after a couple years."

-Jay St. Ives, UMass-Boston campus police officer

"Isn't the whole reputation of UMass based on it being a commuter college? Offering dorms, though, may bring different full-time students. Where would they put them?"

-Mary O'Sullivan
Savin Hill

"I don't see any problem. I think the kids are renting in the neighborhood anyway."

-Randy Karson
Savin Hill

"It's not going to be great for traffic. The neighborhood has been fighting it. UMass works well as a commuter school. What's changed that they need dorms? Has enrollment gone up?"

-Jeff Barranco
At Home Real Estate, Savin Hill Ave.

"I'm for it. From a student perspective it would probably be cheaper. If you made dorms it would be easier to meet people and enrollment would increase. They need to fix the parking, though."

-Kitty McCormack
UMass student, McKenna's employee