Homestead concern: Proposed student housing community is unwanted

The proposed Homestead Road student housing community is too big to be successful in our community.

Capstone Companies proposed building “The Cottages of Chapel Hill” during a public hearing on May 17th. The corporation is independent of UNC.

The complex, intended for undergraduate and graduate students, would include 1,120 bedrooms in 137 two- and three-story buildings.

Homestead residents and some members of the Chapel Hill Town Council both said they felt overwhelmed by the proposal.

Concerns range from the influx of college-aged neighbors to traffic: the development would have 1,200 parking spaces.

Capstone Companies proposes that the housing will get students out of neighborhoods.

Instead, it would place many of them in one area, a development that does not call for resident advisors who are used on campus for student support and supervision.

It is hard to blame the Homestead residents for not wanting to live near 1,100 unsupervised students.

Zoning is another residential concern.

The Chapel Hill zoning protocol allows a maximum of four dwelling units per acre. The proposal requires 10 units per acre.

There is no doubt student housing and parking is needed. The University campus is too crowded, and it can be difficult to find affordable off-campus housing.

Capstone would better use its resources if it took over existing apartments that are in need of refurbishing. And it should seek student input to make sure what it offers is appealing and convenient to students.

Despite resident concerns, more student housing will be necessary.

Although Homestead may not be the right place, it does not mean the need should be ignored.