A student union that threw a suburban street into chaos after transporting scores of girls to a rental property has defended their move.
Alpha Omicron Pi held a recruitment event on Sunnyside Drive in London, Ontario, Canada last weekend – much to the chagrin of the local neighborhood.
In a statement, the president of the local chapter of Western University said they had informed the homeowner about what they planned to do with the house.
“When reserving spaces for events, our department has been transparent about our venue needs and we will respect that space,” Sabina de Crescentiis said. CBC:
‘When reserving spaces for events, our department is and remains transparent about our needs for a location and will treat that space respectfully.’
Alpha Omicron Pi, seen here, held a recruitment event on Sunnyside Drive in London, Ontario last weekend – much to the chagrin of the local neighborhood
The student association’s action angered neighbors after images emerged showing a long line of students outside the rental property.
Officials in the Canadian city are currently investigating the property, which has been used as a short-term rental for more than two years.
Images shared on social media by local man Chris Prater show a long line of students outside the rental property for the event
Earlier this week, owner Jithin Das, a local real estate agent, told CBC he had not been informed of the move to bus hundreds of young women to the property.
He said: ‘I am working with Airbnb and they are investigating how it happened. We were not aware that this would happen.
Chapter president Sabina de Crescentiis, seen here, said they had informed the homeowner about what they planned to do with the house
‘I wasn’t told. They said 30 to 40 girls would come in turn. I am deeply sorry for the entire neighborhood and community.”
Student club president de Crescentiis also told the outlet, “Before we booked this residence, we shared with the owner that there would be several groups of 30-45 women walking in and out of the building at the same time during the course of the day.”
The President reiterated that the event was an opportunity for those who wish to join the student body to meet others.
She added: “Our event was planned so that no alcohol was served. We did not use the pool and we were very aware of the noise regulations so as not to disturb the neighbors.
“Our events ended at 5pm every day. We apologize for having been an unwitting party in this ongoing dispute.”
Owner Jithin Das, a local real estate agent, said he had not been informed of the move to bus hundreds of young women to the property.
According to local man Chris Prater, who filmed the long lines of the young women, they had been dropped off by the busload.
He said, ‘That’s not what you want in a residential area. It is not an appropriate use of the home. It’s a traffic problem, it’s noisy and we just didn’t sign up for that.
“They got dropped off, got some instructions from some other girls in the driveway, marched into the house and stayed inside for about an hour before coming out singing and singing their sorority song.
“Then they waited in the driveway for about 25 to 30 minutes before another bus came, dropping off more girls and picking up those who were already inside.”
While Marion Warren tells CTV News that neighbors have complained for years about the various groups renting the house for short-term stays.
The home was purchased in March 2020 for $673,000 and was last listed last year for $1.2 million
She said: ‘This weekend was awful. School bus loads of young women were dropped off and apparently interviewed for a fraternity in this house.”
Warren also spoke to CBC and said there were new cars in the driveway all the time and the noise from the backyard pool filtered through the street.
Other neighbors told the outlet it often attracts large parties or multiple families at once. A stripper once showed up for a bachelor party, someone said.
The home was purchased in March 2020 for $673,000 and was last listed last year for $1.2 million.
An Airbnb spokesperson said earlier this week: “Airbnb prohibits parties and we have suspended the listing and the booking guest while we investigate the reported behavior.”