Off-Campus Student Housing Proposal Raises Concerns

A proposed $60 million mixed residential-retail development targeting college students is causing concern for the Towson community.

"Historically, the community has been vocal against student housing off-campus," said Paul Hartman, president of the Greater Towson Council of Community Association.

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and representatives from DMS Development unveiled plans Tuesday for the development, called 101 York, at York Road and Burke Avenue that will include approximately 200 apartment units. It's not known at this point how many spots are available for businesses.

The site, which is in the area known as the Towson Triangle, will feature parking for residents and retail customers.

Hartman, who met with the developers on Monday after learning about 101 York a week ago, said community members are awaiting more information about the project before casting any strong judgements.

"[The proposal] caught us unaware so we're still in the information gathering stage," he said. "No one realized it was at this stage."

Though Kamenetz touted the residential component as aimed at students and young professionals, DMS principal David Schlachman confirmed that it is primarily students who would be targeted for the development.

"It basically is student housing," Schlachman said. "We understand that change is very difficult but we are committed to working closely with the community on this."

In 2005, community outrage shot down a proposal to construct a student housing facility at the site of the current Towson Square project.

"While the earlier proposal was in the heart of the commercial district, this project is a few dozen feet from the Towson University campus," said Councilman David Marks, who represents the area. "Also, I think relations between Towson University and the residential community have improved greatly over the past seven years."

Marks also said 101 York could draw students away from other residential neighborhoods that have endured problems with them.

"Right now, students are spread all throughout Greater Towson, but particularly in Rodgers Forge, Burkleigh Square, Towson Manor Village and Riderwood Hills," he said. "There are constant issues with student renters, particularly loitering and drinking, although I would say that Towson University has made steps to contain problems."

Marks added that the development could potentially reduce some traffic congestion as more students would be walking to campus.

Hartman noted that former college President Hoke Smith, who passed away in 2004, had previously stated that Towson University would never extend east of York Road. Though he acknowledged that the situation has changed, and relations with the university have greatly improved in recent years, particularly with school officials making more of an effort to discipline students who have caused problems in the community.

"But there are still some of us with a long memory," he said.

He also contended there was still room on campus to construct additional student housing.

Towson University officials were not immediately available for comment.

Marks said the development is not a step toward making Towson a college town arguing, "Towson is defined by numerous assets" such as its distinctive neighborhoods and hospitals. The sentiment was echoed by county representatives.

"My sense from the county executive is that there a mix of things that will contribute to the future of downtown Towson," said Fronda Cohen, a county spokeswoman. "Certainly a college community is important, but we want to appeal to a diversity of people."

Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce, was excited about the development's possible impact on the local business community.

"We know that [Towson University] has been growing," she said. "This will bring more business to the downtown area."

The county council must approve a resolution to initiate the planned unit development process for this project. A public input meeting must be scheduled before the resolution is introduced.

Marks said meetings between the Greater Towson Council of Community Associations and the Towson Triangle Committee have already been scheduled.

101 York is slated to open in late 2016. The project joins other development efforts in Towson, including the construction of more than 1,500 new luxury apartments and the $85 million Towson Square entertainment center.

"We're transforming Towson into a true capital city," Kamenetz said.

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