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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019 <br />then lose tax dollars. We need to think of the safety of the students when they <br />drive into Austin. It is better for them to walk home, then drive home after an <br />evening of drinking. He stated this is retirement for some, please don't be the <br />people that turn this down. He appreciates the consideration by Council. <br />Rocky Stone, stated that he went Southwest Texas for school. He went to work <br />for the highway patrol shortly after finishing school. He stated that he was <br />looking at the landscape of San Marcos and all the growth. He spoke about the <br />number of students that he had to arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). <br />He stated that if we had things for these students to do here, then they <br />wouldn't have to drive. Let's keep these students off the highway. <br />Ted Miska, stated that his business is at the corner of 410 Harvey, and at first, <br />he was concerned about the additional traffic and then he changed his opinion <br />on this project based on the beautiful design of the building. He provided his <br />analysis of the of the dilapidated area and stated how this will change the <br />aesthetics of the square. He in support of this project, it will increase property <br />values and bring a lot to downtown. <br />Mark Cusak, stated he has lived here since 1978 and spoke about the growth <br />that he has seen. He spoke about the amount of traveling that occurs <br />downtown, if it is dilapidated then people will leave. He provided his <br />statements about the safety that this project would bring to students due to the <br />close proximity to the University. He stated that we have to think about safety. <br />He stated this development will bring more business to the downtown area and <br />spend more money. He doesn't think this is a bad move by the City of San <br />Marcos to approve this type of project. It should be considered. <br />Lisa Shell Allen, was a student at Southwest Texas State University and she <br />chose to stay after graduation. She is an entrepreneur and public servant. She <br />referred to the City Code regarding the Purpose -Built Student Housing section. <br />She stated the only enforceable part is the use by college students as a primary <br />purpose. Does the City of San Marcos have the man power and resources to <br />review every lease of the San Marcos lofts to determine if the residents are <br />students? She provided that the University doesn't pay property taxes or ask <br />for permission in regards to what they build. She mentioned someone will <br />build on that space. She asked that Council vote for it or at least form a <br />committee or send it back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further <br />review. <br />Christian Siera, Developer with Gillbane, continued where Mr. Rhoades left off <br />City of San Marcos Page 12 <br />