Developer looks to build more Merced apartments
For a third consecutive meeting of the Merced City Council, a proposed apartment complex will be up for discussion.
The council will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 678 W. 18th St. Members of the public will be asked to speak for or against the project during a public hearing at the meeting.
The meeting will be preceded by a study session at 6:30 p.m.
B.P. Investors L.P. is looking to build a 216-unit complex on 9.8 acres of land near G Street and Merrill Place. The city Planning Commission denied the project, and the developers have appealed to the City Council for approval.
The two-phase project would include a clubhouse, outdoor gathering areas, pool, basketball court and parking stalls within a gated community. The three-story structure would be marketed to UC Merced students, according to city records.
The developer would be required to pay to extend infrastructure across G Street, records show. The site is at the eastern edge of town.
The plan for the number of residents in the complex fits within the zoning code. However, the Planning Commission denied the proposal, saying a complex with students tends have more tenants per unit.
The commission also noted there are about 87 acres of land in the same area of town designated for multifamily housing, which includes apartments or condominiums. The commission said that could lead to an area that is too densely populated.
The project also plans for 362 parking spaces, which exceeds the requirement by 30. The Planning Commission said because there is no cap on how many people can stay in each unit, there is potential for the need for more parking.
The commission also found that the project would be taller than others in the area, records show, and its buildings do not have a consistent distance from the street.
Two other complexes went before the council in July. One project, which was also denied by the Planning Commission, was delayed by the council.
Also during the meeting, the council will be asked to change the residential zoning for a parcel at Yosemite Avenue and McKee Road to commercial. A parcel at Olive Avenue and M Street could also see an amendment to the zoning for it, if the council approves.
City Council meetings are streamed live on the Internet; a link to the meeting and past videos is at www.cityofmerced.org. The meeting is also shown live on Comcast’s government Channel 96.
If you go
The Merced City Council’s regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 678 W. 18th St. It is preceded by a study session at 6:30 p.m.
This story was originally published August 2, 2015 at 2:12 PM with the headline "Developer looks to build more Merced apartments."