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City Council Meeting Minutes June 18, 2019 <br />by reviewing the steady increase of student enrollment at Texas State <br />University. He provided that Texas State recently put out a Request for <br />Quotation (RFQ) for student housing though a Public Private Partnership. He <br />stated that Texas State leased units at the Local since they did not have enough <br />rooms on campus. He reviewed some data regarding the shortage of beds in <br />the community with the growth of Texas State. There needs to be housing <br />available when students move off campus. He stated there is a 92% occupancy <br />rate overall and 95% downtown and he asks for your support because Purpose <br />Built Student housing is advantageous to students, and if this is not approved <br />Council will be doing a disservice to the students. <br />Russ Broderick, Gillbane reprensentative, provided a background on the <br />family owned company and stated that they have a very strict underwriting <br />criteria. He stated that they build this to own it long term. He stated they love <br />the market here in San Marcos and hope to stay here. They have a professional <br />management company that will manage this project. He stated that they <br />originally looked at property on N. LBJ. They went and talked to 9 different <br />owners in this area and they were very proactive. He stated that multifamily <br />can go here, but it will be more expensive for students. He expressed his <br />appreciation for the cooperation by the Fire Department and staff. <br />Lee Porterfield, spoke about Vision San Marcos, and stated that if you drive <br />into town from I-35 you see the growth and progress that are going on here in <br />San Marcos. He stated that progress makes history. He stated there are many <br />members of Council that have worked or been associated with Texas State <br />University. He stated that he is a proud Texas State bobcat and proud San <br />Marcos resident. This is an opportunity for someone to build something great. <br />He stated that he would rather have student housing in the downtown area and <br />not in the neighborhoods. He stated that they could put new businesses <br />downtown and let this happen naturally. This area is zoned for it so please give <br />this some thought and positive attitude. <br />Andy Greenwood, stated this is a no brainer to vote yes on this project. He <br />stated this is the best way to get the most parking spaces. As of right now, <br />opening a business in the downtown is a kiss of death. There is so much retail <br />and vacant shops in downtown. Vote yes. <br />Those who spoke in opposition: <br />Roland Saucedo, stated the presentation had one common word on every page, <br />"concerns". He stated this is the first development to ever come before Council <br />City of San Marcos Page 13 <br />