After a discussion that touched on economics, academics and land use, among other topics, the San Marcos City Council decided Tuesday night to postpone a decision on the purpose-built student housing project proposed for the block of Guadalupe Street between San Antonio Street and Martin Luther King Drive.
The 75 Sylvan Project was denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Though some changes were made to the plans — for instance, developers’ application to make it a seven-story building was withdrawn — concerns about actual student housing needs, the character of downtown and how to best breathe vitality and diversity into downtown led council to form a committee to talk with the developers and postpone a decision until the last council meeting in August or the first council meeting in September.
City planning chief Shannon Mattingly gave a presentation on the proposed development, noting that staff had 16 recommendations in order for the proposal to be approved. She also pointed out that with P&Z’s denial, a supermajority of six affirmative votes would be needed from the council for it to pass.
