TU requests housing proposals
Interested developers must detail configuration of buildings for 400-600 students; community remains concerned over project
Brian Stelter
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The "Request For Proposals For Student Housing" specifies that the proposed housing must be located within one mile of campus. Towson would enter into a lease agreement for the facility. The request marks the first time the University has sought to lease space for residents away from campus.
The University's Procurement Department released the 44-page document Friday afternoon. Interested developers must detail the number of beds, configuration of rooms, possible furnishings and appliances, parking availability, security plan, computer connectivity and common areas.
Heritage Properties has included student housing in a proposed development near the Towson Circle, but the University has not committed to the plan. Heritage is expected to submit a proposal to TU. (See map, Page 6.) Towson's plans for off-campus housing have proved controversial in recent months, as residents have expressed concerns about living near students and frustrations about the lack of specific proposals. Last month the Greater Towson Council of Community Associations passed a resolution opposing the development of student housing in downtown Towson.
Sunday, GTCCA president Judy Gregory said members of her organization hope to meet with Towson senior vice president and chief fiscal officer David Harnage later this semester to discuss the student housing plans.
Harnage was unavailable for comment over the weekend. Last month, he said the request for proposals would parallel Towson's effort to partner with the surrounding community.
"There is an expressed desire, I believe, on the county's part to strengthen the relationship between the Towson business core and the University. One of the ways to do that is to integrate student housing into the area," he said.
The request for proposals includes several hints at the importance of the integration. Housing proposals should provide "convenient marketplace access to commercial establishments for dining, retail and entertainment," the document said. It also must provide "good pedestrian access to campus and Towson Community businesses." Interested developers are required to describe the benefits to the University and its students, as well as the economic impact to the Towson business district.
President Robert Caret said TU does not intend to infringe on the community. The request for proposals reaffirms Caret's claim: The proposed housing cannot be located in a "current residential neighborhood," and it must "supplement, not replace, existing market housing currently leased by TU students."
Some apartment complexes already exist in downtown Towson in areas not zoned as residential neighborhoods.
At March's GTCCA meeting, several outspoken residents said the student housing would resemble dormitories, rather than apartments. The request for proposals requires potential developers to include several traditional dormitory elements, including furnishings and common areas. Proposals may, but are not required to, include a Residence Life program and transportation to and from the University.
Proposals are expected to include a plan for security. At March's GTCCA meeting, Towson University police chief Bernie Gerst said TU may patrol the new project, but said the specifics are unclear.
The project may have similarities to Millennium Hall, which was the University's first experience with a public/private partnership. The building was completed in 2000 across from the Enrollment Services building. It was built on University property, but is maintained and operated by a private firm. Capstone Management is responsible for all aspects of the property, including leasing, residence life and facility maintenance. However, because of the lack of specifics, the new student housing project could work differently: The building would not be located on Towson's property, but would be leased by the University.
The proposals must include detailed descriptions of the facility and location, any non-monetary obligations, and term of any agreement.
While the University will consider a direct lease of a housing facility, the document seems to discourage the option. "Long-term leases of an entire facility will have more than a minimal effect on debt capacity," the document said.
Debt capacity, for Towson and the University System of Maryland, is a sensitive issue as the student housing project moves forward. The terms of the agreement will determine whether the University or a private firm will handle the costs of building and financing the facility.
The student housing project must have "minimal or no impact" on debt capacity, the document said.
"The University will consider offers that provide for the University to operate or manage the facility," the document said, but that could also impact debt capacity.
The student housing project could potentially consist of more than one building, and they could consist of two phases.
"The University will consider and may find desirable a phased construction schedule where 200-300 beds will be made available in the first year and the remaining beds to be made available one or two years subsequent," the document said.
Proposals are due May 19.
