University Village - good or bad for Charleston?
Monday, May 23, 2005
By Chris Rankin
The City of Charleston recently passed the University Village project east of Charleston. The proposal had previously failed to pass before the current council took office. There was stiff opposition to the proposal and the opponents presented their arguments for two hours prior to the vote.
The proposed project is to be built south Wal-Mart on the east end of town. I question the location of such a project, as it seems quite far away from campus. But other student housing is already in the area so perhaps the area is more attractive then I realize.
Parking on campus is already at a premium. The hike to campus from these apartments may be more than students wish to take on; especially in the cold winter months. There is a chance residents from this complex will clog campus lots.
This will lead to the university looking to expand parking. Landlords struggling to compete with the newer updated apartments may see selling their properties to the college as a way to cash out instead of invest in their properties. Soon campus is surrounded by wide-open parking lots and housing is miles away. The traditional, pedestrian-friendly, college campus becomes a victim of sprawl.
I am not sure if you can blame the City Council for the situation, even though they had the ability to stop it. It is their job to do what they feel is in the best interest of the city. The annexation and improvements on this land will result in thousands of dollars in tax revenues. And there will also be a short-term job boost in construction.
Students will have a choice between newer, modern facilities and closer, more convenient locations. If there is truly a need for more student housing in Charleston, then the current landlords shouldn't have trouble keeping their apartments filled. The free market will prevail.
It could be an uphill battle for existing landlords. The new complex will offer amenities existing facilities can only dream of. They will be energy efficient, wired for technology, and designed for the students needs. These benefits may outweigh location advantages.
If the new development succeeds in shutting down existing housing, beware of the situation described above. Housing closer to campus will become vacant and blighted. By the time it is demolished, many will see it as progress to rid the eyesores.
Smart growth is known as "growth that is economically sound, environmentally friendly, and supports community values and livability." Does this development qualify as "smart growth"? How will this development affect things in 20 years? Will it be desirable to live so far from campus? Will campus sit in the hole of a donut of open space? Will it result in the destruction of valuable real estate for parking? Is this in the best LONG term interests of the City?
By Chris Rankin
The City of Charleston recently passed the University Village project east of Charleston. The proposal had previously failed to pass before the current council took office. There was stiff opposition to the proposal and the opponents presented their arguments for two hours prior to the vote.
The proposed project is to be built south Wal-Mart on the east end of town. I question the location of such a project, as it seems quite far away from campus. But other student housing is already in the area so perhaps the area is more attractive then I realize.
Parking on campus is already at a premium. The hike to campus from these apartments may be more than students wish to take on; especially in the cold winter months. There is a chance residents from this complex will clog campus lots.
This will lead to the university looking to expand parking. Landlords struggling to compete with the newer updated apartments may see selling their properties to the college as a way to cash out instead of invest in their properties. Soon campus is surrounded by wide-open parking lots and housing is miles away. The traditional, pedestrian-friendly, college campus becomes a victim of sprawl.
I am not sure if you can blame the City Council for the situation, even though they had the ability to stop it. It is their job to do what they feel is in the best interest of the city. The annexation and improvements on this land will result in thousands of dollars in tax revenues. And there will also be a short-term job boost in construction.
Students will have a choice between newer, modern facilities and closer, more convenient locations. If there is truly a need for more student housing in Charleston, then the current landlords shouldn't have trouble keeping their apartments filled. The free market will prevail.
It could be an uphill battle for existing landlords. The new complex will offer amenities existing facilities can only dream of. They will be energy efficient, wired for technology, and designed for the students needs. These benefits may outweigh location advantages.
If the new development succeeds in shutting down existing housing, beware of the situation described above. Housing closer to campus will become vacant and blighted. By the time it is demolished, many will see it as progress to rid the eyesores.
Smart growth is known as "growth that is economically sound, environmentally friendly, and supports community values and livability." Does this development qualify as "smart growth"? How will this development affect things in 20 years? Will it be desirable to live so far from campus? Will campus sit in the hole of a donut of open space? Will it result in the destruction of valuable real estate for parking? Is this in the best LONG term interests of the City?
posted by Unknown | 1:03 PM
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