Proposed Student Housing in College Park Still Falls Short, Community Says

Two months ago, more than a dozen residents formed a line before the College Park City Council to voice concerns over a proposed six-story student housing and retail complex developers hope to .

Now, with the Prince George’s County Planning Board scheduled to vote on the project Thursday, local organizations are still concerned that it’s too big, and it doesn’t fit in with the historic area.

Project developer, Ilya Zusin, is unsure why his project has caused so much local concern.

"This fits into every strategic goal of everyone involved," he said, adding that the development would provide housing for students adjacent to the university, alleviating traffic, and would be good for the economic development of College Park.

"I don't quite understand what some of these local leaders are fighting," he said. With the College Park last fall, he’s renewed his effort over the last month to reach out to local organizations to address their concerns.

is situated just behind the proposed new development, and while the organization neither supports nor opposes the plan, its leaders have "serious concerns," according to Rev. Carol Jablonski.

"We have a major issue with the height of the building and the architectural structure," she said.

Jablonski is concerned that the structure is significantly higher than any other structure in downtown College Park, and that the modern design of the facade does not match the gothic design of St. Andrew’s or the surrounding historic buildings. 

The Old Town Civic Association opposes the development in its current design. Like St. Andrew's, the organization takes issue with the building's height and design. 

"The architecture is horrible and does not fit in with any of the surrounding buildings," said Kathy Bryant, president of the association.

"There should not be a six-story building in downtown College Park," she said. "It does not belong there."

owner Bobby Karanovich says that he is not opposed to the development, which would neighbor his establishment.

"I can never argue with more patrons moving across the street," he said. The complex could house more than 1,000 students.

Karanovich is not concerned with the proposed structure's appearance, but he is aware and sympathetic to his neighbors' concerns.

Bryant said she would be open to the project if Zusin would consider lowering the height and density of the building, and changing the architecture to be more fitting with the town's image.

Jablonski would also like to see these things addressed. 

"This has to be done in a way that serves the common good and we need to get everybody together to make that happen," Jablonski said.