Merced OKs big apartment complex aimed at UC Merced students

Plans for a three-story apartment complex narrowly approved by Merced City Council this month despite being denied by the Planning Commission left some residents in north Merced concerned about other development in the area.

BP Investors LP got the go-ahead for its plans to build a 216-unit complex on 9.8 acres of land near G Street and Merill Place. The city Planning Commission unanimously rejected the project, but the developers appealed to the City Council for approval.

The council voted 4-2 to override the commission’s denial. Mayor Stan Thurston and Councilman Michael Belluomini each voted “no,” and Councilman Noah Lor was absent.

The two-phase project includes 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.

“We’re a university town now, and we have to plan for the amenities that take care of our existing population and the student population coming into town,” Councilman Tony Dossetti said.

The developer will also be required to pay to extend infrastructure across G Street, which includes adding an access route for first responders.

A separate three-story complex was put on hold in July after the Planning Commission and nearby residents opposed that project.

Eric Moore, who lives near complex put on hold, said he opposed the newer project on G Street because it might set a precedent. “I’m just scared the city is going to use this as an example,” he said.

As UC Merced continues to push toward its goal of 10,000 students by 2020, it also has plans for housing closer to the campus. Thurston said the city needs to be mindful of those developments when looking at large apartment complexes closer to the city limits.

“What I’m afraid of is (development) leaving these gigantic, three-story buildings behind,” he said. “What are they going to turn into?”

The complex approved this month has the potential to house more than 1,300 people, according to city staff. Many of the units have the same number of bathrooms as bedrooms, perhaps making them attractive to students.

Along with approving the plans, the council allowed the developer to make the structure taller than what the site was planned to have. The building will also be closer to the street than was allowed under the original plan for the site.

Rick Telegan, a representative of the development firm, said the group could have designed the building to fit within the normal parameters but it would have been an inferior product.

Councilman Mike Murphy voiced his support for the plan, noting the amount of work the developer agreed to do on roads around the project.

“I think that this group is making a real investment in this community,” he said.

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 5:15 PM with the headline "Merced OKs big apartment complex aimed at UC Merced students."