Alexi SpectorW/R#10 TA#2COMM231 0101March 24, 2014Story, A#1: P-o-S

New apartment complex on Route 1Construction of new apartment complex on Route 1 beginsConstruction of a new complex has begun, opens new doors for College Park

The unsightly, fenced-in construction site that expands down the entire length of

the block of Route 1 and College Avenue is easily noticed.

Workers in yellow hard hats maneuver vast cranes that loom over

the one-story restaurants that line the College Park strip, and

mounds of cement and dirt pile high over the wire fence.

The site, which is the old home of the Maryland Book Exchange, is under

renovation to become a new apartment complex.

“The fact that College Park is trying to provide more housing is great,”

sophomore English major Baylee Less said. “I think it’s a great location, right in the

middle of all the action.”

In December, 2013, after about a year of working on plans with the College Park

City Council, the New York-based developer RJ Company partnered with local developer

Zusin Development to begin constructing a six-story complex that will house apartments,

restaurants and retail spaces as an attempt to revitalize downtown College Park.

While many students have lingering concerns, a survey of university students

shows the majority of students say the complex will be a success.

(more)

Building Plan 287 units 855 beds 6 stories 13,844 square feet of

retail

Spector, A#1: Apartment p. 2

Students voice enthusiasm

Ryan Latgis, junior geography major, said the proximity of

the new complex to the rest of the Route 1 restaurants is beneficial.

“Business will increase immensely after people move in to

the new complex,” said Latgis. “People won’t have to walk as far

as they have to from The View and The Varsity. I’m excited about

the new restaurants!”

Latgis does not stand alone in his enthusiasm about the

opening of the new complex. Freshman biology major Stephanie

Golding anticipates the new complex will be a popular

neighborhood for upperclassmen to live in.

“I’m excited because it will be open before my senior year. As long as it isn’t too

expensive, I’m totally going to live there,” Golding said. “It’s right in the middle of

everything, and isn’t a far walk from campus.”

(more)

Ryan Latgis believes the new complex will advance College Park businesses. Photo by: Alexi Spector

Spector, A#1: Apartment p. 3

Lingering concerns

Although some students are excited for the new complex, freshman engineering

major Josh Belitsky worries it will make traffic even more

unbearable.

“Route 1 traffic is horrible,” Belitsky said. “The apartment

building is going to be right before all of the old restaurants, so now

the traffic is going to be even more congested in that area. The

building will also stand out since all of the others around it are only

two stories.” Belitsky mentioned that traffic

will most likely move into the residential

area behind Route 1 where most of the

Greek houses are located, along with a few local homes.

City Councilman Fazlul Kabir said that the new complex

is a “win-win.”

“Once the complex goes up and everyone understands the benefits, everyone will

be happy,” says Kabir.

###

Josh Belitsky thinks the complex will make College Park traffic unbearable. Photo by Alexi Spector

“The traffic is going to be even worse

than before. Residents are going

to be even more unsafe crossing

roads, especially back by the Greek

houses.-Josh Belitsky