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From:justine yani ko <kojustineyani@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 20, 2024 2:24 PM
To:Agenda Item Comment
Subject:Letter in Support of the S. Duncan Rezoning
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Dear Members of the City Council,
I was born and raised in Fayetteville and I’ve been a long time resident of the downtown area. I have lived on Church
Street for the past decade in what feels like some of the last affordable housing near the entertainment district. My
experience working in the service industry in downtown Fayetteville has shown me that when it comes to the proposal of
new builds anywhere near downtown, particularly large student-focused complexes, there will be debate. But what we can
all agree on is that we need affordable housing for long-term residents and I believe this becomes more attainable when
we first address the issue of student housing.
By creating high density student housing complexes in close proximity to campus, like the location proposed for this
project, instead of in our entertainment districts and historic downtown neighborhoods we leave these areas available for
long-term residents, employees of the entertainment district, and the locals who have created these communities.
While I understand that some current affordable housing will be replaced by this student complex, it is my understanding
that the owner of the 40-unit structure was already selling. I believe that high density student apartments is an appropriate
use of the location given its imminent redevelopment. It would benefit the greater community to contain the growing influx
of students to a particular area, one that is in close proximity to the university without being in the entertainment district.
This proposal also suggests attached parking so we would hopefully see less car traffic from new students in already
congested areas and lessen the environmental impact of students commuting to campus.
When we address the issue of housing the growing student population we will be able to better attend to the housing
needs of residents who have built this community and those who plan to stay to keep contributing.
Best,
Yani Ko
223 N. Church Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72701
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