A recent proposal to build a new student housing community across the street from California State University, Stanislaus has upset local neighbors, leading them to rally together and protest its construction.
Coleraine Capital Group and AMCAL Equities are the driving force behind the project. The apartment complex, which will consist of four, four-story buildings, 680 bedrooms and 560 parking spaces, will be built on the property directly next to the Prime Shine Car Wash and will extend behind Rite-Aid. Located on Monte Vista Avenue between Crowell Road and Dels Lane, the apartment complex will tower over the local neighborhood homes. If approved, the apartments will be the tallest buildings in Turlock.
Patrick Jensen, a Turlock resident, is protesting against the construction. He has posted a sign along the backside of the property that reads, “No 4 Story Apt Here! Call 209-620-4741.”
“I’m all for students and their student housing, and I’m not opposed to apartment complexes, but I think that even a two-story apartment complex would be okay. That way houses can still be given privacy,” Jensen said. “No matter what kind of curtains you put up, with those illuminated parking lots anyone is going to be able to see into your house. When college kids get together there’s parties, late night drinking, throwing up in parking lots. These people living here are all retirees, you know.”
Jensen stated he has no secret agenda and has support from other community members. So far, Jensen has collected over 60 signatures of those who oppose the construction of the new student housing and hopes that an agreement can be reached where everyone involved is happy.
While Jensen is worried about peace and privacy, he also worries about property value.
“My in-laws have lived there since day one,” Jensen said. “That’s their retirement home. If you’ve got a four-story apartment building looking into your backyard, your property value will plummet.”
The president of Coleraine Capital Group, David Moon, is aware of the neighborhood unrest and in response held a neighborhood meeting on Jan. 27 to present and discuss their preliminary site plan. The neighbors asked questions and pointed out their areas of concern. According to Moon, the company has since modified their plans in order to address concerns expressed at the meeting.
“The Vista purpose-built student housing community will be designed and operated in order to create a positive, healthy, living-learning environment exclusively for CSUS students,” Moon said.
The new housing complex will have computer labs, study rooms, a swimming pool, fitness center and countless other amenities. Shuttles will also be available to take students to and from campus. Moon also pointed out the security features of the complex, which include a gated perimeter, card key access for every door and security cameras located throughout the property.
Despite protest from the neighbors, these features of the proposed new building sound enticing to current CSU Stanislaus students.
“I’m glad they’re building it,” Eddy Luna (junior, Biology) said. “I know the neighbors are upset, but they have to realize that this is a college town, and the school is going to expand. I think it’s great for the school and a great opportunity for future students that may be able to live in it. I would live in it.”
As for the university’s involvement in the prospective project, Director of Housing and Residential Life Jennifer Humphrey stated that the university is aware of the project and looking into possible implications for the school.
According to Moon, students may not have to wait too long for the project to begin construction.
“Subject to the required local and state entitlement and permitting process, we would plan to be under construction in the first quarter of 2016, with a projected occupancy of Fall 2017,” Moon said.
Moon plans to submit his updated plans to the city in the next three weeks in hopes that the neighbors will be pleased with the changes. Though, it may be hard to get Patrick Jensen to take down his protest sign.
“I don’t believe anything (Moon) is saying,” Jensen said. “He’s a polished, slick salesman trying to talk about only the positive and not bring up any of the negative.”