That request was denied, although city staff was asked to come up with a set of options to address residents concerns. Resident concerns ranged from the structure s size and appearance to the number of residents housed on one lot and the physical impact they would bring to the area. She says families, not students, should be living in her neighborhood. These structures, which are clearly built for students, are making a profit for the developer at the cost of the neighborhood, she said. We all know that student rentals of this type are very lucrative, she said.
Developers don t argue with the structure s economics.
But, Ford says, his motivations go beyond the money-making aspect. What we are trying to do is provide good housing for the students, he said. By good he means modern, noting he provides amenities such as ceiling fans and DSL direct Internet access. This is the 21st century and we need to transition into it, he said. These are built to today s standards.