Franklin & Marshall College (F&M) informed the public a couple of years ago that, at some future point, students would no longer be allowed to rent from private landlords. People who owned properties that were leased to F&M students made business decisions based on that information.
Recently, F&M disclosed to the public they have an exclusive arrangement with Kevin Silverang in which only his company will be allowed to lease properties off campus to as many as 240 F&M students.
The City of Lancaster is now being asked to alter zoning in order to grant Mr. Silverang liberties regarding the allowed number of occupants per property which will not be granted to other investors unless they enter into a similar exclusive arrangement with another institution of higher learning.
Interestingly, Mr. Silverang has purchased many of his properties from investors who had no idea that such an arrangement with F&M may exist.
Why should Mr. Silverang get such special treatment and privileges?
F&M has knowingly misled the public which may have resulted in property owners making business decisions to their own detriment and to Mr. Silverang’s benefit.
Such unethical behavior by F&M should not be tolerated by the local community, especially since it pays little or no property taxes but receives many services from the local government.
