College and village sign compact reinforcing quality of life

Geneseo Mayor Richard B. Hatheway, professor emeritus of geology, left, and President Christopher C. Dahl sign the village/college compact. /PHOTO BY KEITH WALTERS '11

The college and the Village of Geneseo have jointly signed a village/college compact renewing a commitment to a high quality of life for all who live, work and study in the village.

President Christopher C. Dahl and Mayor Richard B. Hatheway, professor emeritus of geology, signed the compact Dec. 5. It was a result of recommendations from a task force convened last January to examine areas of mutual concern with the intention of strengthening existing strong town-gown relations.

Co-chairing the Task Force on Town Gown Relations were retired Livingston County Court Judge Jerry Alonzo and University Police Chief Sal Simonetti. The task force also included representatives from village government, the village Police Department, the Geneseo student body and administration, the Livingston County District Attorney's Office and local landlords.

"The college's relationship with the village and community has always been a point of pride for Geneseo and I commend all who served on the task force," said Dahl. "Reinforcing mutual cooperation among all organizations on quality of life matters can only result in positive relationships and we're pleased to be sharing this responsibility."

Simonetti also had praise for task force members, emphasizing the importance of inclusiveness.

"What makes this compact strong is the collaboration among the task force members who made sure all interests were fully represented," said Simonetti. "The college and village have always enjoyed a professional, respectful relationship and the compact provides clear guidelines on making sure that continues into the future."

Read more about the compact and what it says.