News Summary
The Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency has approved a new student housing development project in Collegetown, sparking debates about affordable housing for students. The project, developed by Park7, will include 230 units and an underground parking garage. Board members expressed varying opinions on the need for affordable housing amidst rising rental costs in Tallahassee. The initiative aims to address the housing crisis impacting students while emphasizing inclusivity in the construction process.
Tallahassee – The Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has approved a controversial new student housing project in Collegetown, voting 4-1 to provide property tax reimbursements until 2034. The decision has sparked discussions about affordable housing in the community, particularly for students at nearby Florida State University (FSU).
The CRA will grant an upfront tax increment of approximately $250,000 for the project, with plans to offer annual reimbursements thereafter. The approval was granted despite dissent from CRA board member Jack Porter, who expressed concerns about the project’s uniqueness compared to similar developments in the area.
The project, developed by Park7, a New York-based firm known for large-scale multi-family residential properties, is already under construction at 730 W. Gaines St. It will consist of nine stories, featuring 230 units, an underground two-story parking garage, and a community clubhouse. Park7 previously developed “The Boulevard” on Jackson Bluff Road, another student housing complex.
Board member Jeremy Matlow, who recently announced his bid for mayor, supported the project. Meanwhile, CRA chair Dianne Williams-Cox emphasized the need for marketing the units beyond the student population. Williams-Cox remarked on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of diverse housing opportunities in the community.
Board member Curtis Richardson praised the commitment of the developer to include minority- and women-owned businesses in the construction project. However, he raised concerns about the existing affordable housing shortage in Tallahassee and called for more inclusivity within the project. Matlow countered, stating that the project’s location in a predominantly student housing area would naturally cater mostly to students.
This initiative comes amid rising housing costs in the city. Recent data indicates that the average rent in Tallahassee has increased by 30% over the past three years, reaching $902, which significantly impacts students seeking affordable off-campus housing options. The average rental price for an apartment in the first quarter of 2021 was reported at $1,050, with off-campus options like American Campus Communities averaging $1,100 per bedroom.
As students face mounting financial pressures from increasing cost-of-living expenses, many have voiced concerns over affordability. In response to these pressures, GrandMarc at Tallahassee is set to implement a new wellness program that offers mental health resources for its residents. This initiative includes collaborations with FSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services, staff mental health training, soundproof wellness booths for therapy and study, and artistic enhancements throughout the property.
In related news, a recent controversy arose within the university regarding LGBTQ+ housing options for incoming students. Initially, the university omitted this housing designation but has since reinstated it due to backlash and advocacy from students, underscoring the importance of safe living arrangements for marginalized communities.
The CRA’s vote and the subsequent discussions surrounding the new development illustrate the ongoing tension between urban development and the critical need for affordable housing solutions in Tallahassee. As the city continues to grow, the balance between accommodating student populations and supporting diverse housing needs remains a significant challenge.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: CRA OKs Student Housing Project
- FSU News: FSU Reintroduces LGBTQ+ Housing Option
- Tallahassee.com: Student Housing Complex Offers Mental Health Resources
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Tallahassee
- FSU News: Confusion Regarding LGBTQ+ Housing
- Wikipedia: Housing Affordability
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
