A proposal for a high-rise apartment complex on Mendota Court moved one step closer to completion Monday night when the city's Plan Commission granted approval to the new development.
Although the proposal would require the demolition of two existing buildings currently at 617 and 619 Mendota Court, the majority of commission members gave approval.
The lack of parking was the main concern during the debate. The complex would not offer any parking to prospective tenants and there is said to already be a deficiency in street parking in the area.
Josh Wilcox, representing Gary Brink and Associates, the architectural firm for the project, said the goal was to create a self-sufficient structure that would reduce the level of stress already present on the congested and narrow street. Bicycle parking, however, would be provided.
According to Patrick Corcoran, the owner of Patrick Properties who is proposing the project, there would be enough space for service vehicles, such as plumbers, carpet cleaners or pizza delivery trucks, as well as trash removal to access the building.
However, attorney Harvey Temkin, who spoke for the owners of the Roundhouse Apartments on Langdon Street, said the complex would not be appropriately managed with such minimal space.
Temkin argued that students would illegally park in the vicinity of the complex no matter what and that during the August rush of movers, the area would be a mess.
Still, Ald. Lauren Cnare, District 3, said she liked the idea of ""no cars allowed.""
""Even though I drove to the meeting in a car and am going to leave in a car, I hope this is precedent-setting,"" she said. ""I like the idea that there's a place for your bike and you don't need your car.""
Although a former president of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity was present at the meeting to share the house's opposition to the project due to the increased congestion of the area, two former tenants of Corcoran supported the proposal.
Scott Resnick, president of the State and Langdon Neighborhood Association, and Ald. Bryon Eagon, District 8, said they were happy to endorse the proposal.
""I think this a great investment for the downtown student community,"" Eagon said.
