Fayetteville OKs 1 student housing project but blocks another
Fayetteville's Planning Commission denied rezoning plans Tuesday for one student-oriented housing project, but approved development plans for another such project, the Fayetteville Flyer reported.
The big picture: Enrollment has reached record-high levels at the University of Arkansas, and there aren't enough on-campus beds.
About 1,200 students were placed in off-campus housing in the fall through UA contracts with apartment complexes.
State of play: The Planning Commission voted 5-2 against rezoning nearly 3 acres between Hill and University avenues, where two apartment complexes and a historic home now sit, the Flyer reported. The properties have about 40 combined units, including the home that is used for short-term rentals.
Chicago-based Core Spaces would like to build a student-oriented complex with 313 units and 719 bedrooms on those acres, some of which would be seven stories.
Public comment before the meeting included concerns about displacing area residents and a lack of affordable housing, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
"This particular area has been so hit hard by redevelopment. I don't see the rezoning being in the best interest of the city right now," Commissioner Nick Werner said.
Yes, but: The commission voted 6-1 in favor of a development plan for a student housing project along Duncan Avenue, just east of the Fayetteville High School football stadium, the Flyer reports.
That plan by Austin, Texas-based Endeavor Real Estate Group calls for 294 units and 1,011 bedrooms, with a seven-story parking garage.
The City Council approved rezoning for the project in August.
Eleven structures with 44 units occupy the property.
Commissioner Brad Payne said the plan made sense considering location, design and proximity to public transit, according to the Flyer.
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