Theta Xi considers moving westward

One of Penn's fraternities is considering taking the brightly colored Go West! signs lining University City's streets literally. Theta Xi, which currently occupies a house at 4033 Spruce Street, may move into another house it owns on the corner of 42nd and Spruce streets next fall. If they go through with the move, Theta Xi's official house would be located farther west than any of the other houses in Penn's Greek system -- a possibility that has worried some permanent residents of the neighborhood who have enjoyed the absence of Greek life thus far. "A fraternity at that location is not something I think the community would be in favor of," Spruce Hill Community Association President Barry Grossbach said, referring to the late-night rowdiness and piles of trash that are often associated with fraternities. Adding to the residents' concern is the fact that the new Penn-assisted elementary school -- which is scheduled to partially open next fall -- will occupy the site directly across the street from Theta Xi's potential new home. Grossbach said the neighborhood is "trying to limit the density of population" in that area, especially due to the congestion that could result from the school's opening. But Theta Xi President Nick Sommer says the fraternity would be a positive addition to the neighborhood. "There are a lot of pluses involved in us moving into the community," the College senior said, citing various neighborhood-improvement projects the fraternity has done in the past. "And it's a lot better than an absentee landlord coming in there." Richard Womer, who lives on the 4200 block of Regent Street, said that permanent residents are wary of living next door to students, citing problems of trash and noise. "The problem is that fraternities don't make good neighbors for people who have to get up in the morning at six o' clock and raise kids," he said. He added however, that most of the houses on the block are not occupied by permanent residents. Sommer stressed that Theta Xi's plans to move are still tentative -- other options they are pursuing include a house swap with the University. Scott Reikofski, director of Penn's Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, said he does not anticipate any major issues resulting from Theta Xi's move. "I don't think it will cause any more noise problems than any of the other houses out there," he said, referring to the many student-occupied homes that already exist near that block. And Reikofski pointed out that Theta Xi, as a recognized University fraternity, is subject to regulation from OFSA in the event of neighborhood problems, while private student houses are not. "Generally I'd like to have everybody closer, but it is a nice property," he said. "I think there are pros and cons to it." Sommer said he hopes Theta Xi's potential move deeper into West Philadelphia will dispel popular myths about rowdy fraternity houses. "We're aware that we're going to have to go through some hurdles to be welcome there," he said. "But we want to show them that it's not a bunch of animals moving in there."

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