At this week’s City Council meeting, the Council approved a rezoning request (ZMA-2024-002) that will allow the developer of “The Mark at College Park” to move forward with plans to redevelop the existing College Park Towers into two new high-density student apartment buildings. The approval changes the zoning designation for the 4.62-acre site—from RTO-L-E (Regional Transit-Oriented – Low-Intensity, Edge) to RTO-PD (Planned Development)—unlocking the potential for greater residential density and enhanced public amenities.

The redevelopment will increase the number of student housing units from 216 to 525, a net gain of 309 units, and includes a range of community improvements, such as a pedestrian promenade, pocket parks, public art, and sustainability features. It aligns with the Central US 1 Corridor Sector Plan and the City’s strategy to build higher-density student housing near the University of Maryland, reducing pressure on surrounding neighborhoods.

🏠 Addressing the Loss of Affordable Units

One of the most important elements of this project has been how it will address the loss of moderately priced housing currently provided by College Park Towers. Recognizing this concern, the developer has committed to designating the lesser of 200 beds or 10% of total beds as moderately priced in the new complex.

To achieve this, the developer presented two options for how the affordability component could be structured:

✅ Option 1 – Discounted Rent Based on Market Rate

  • Eligible tenants would include those receiving partial Pell Grants, active-duty military, or students from households earning ≤80% of Area Median Income (AMI).

  • These students would be placed in 4-bedroom, 2-bath units, with rents reduced by 30% compared to the market rate for a 2-bedroom unit in the building.

  • Rent reductions would be managed through an agreement between the developer and the City, and beds would be distributed evenly throughout the project to ensure equitable access.

✅ Option 2 – Rent Capped at AMI Benchmarks

  • The same eligibility pool applies (partial Pell Grant recipients, active-duty military, or students from households earning ≤80% of AMI).

  • Rents would be capped at AMI-based limits set annually by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for a one-person household.

  • This option offers a more stable and enforceable affordability structure, consistent with state housing programs.

  • Unfilled moderately priced beds could be opened to the general student population after a leasing window, ensuring minimal vacancy while preserving affordability goals.

🌱 City Staff Recommendation

City staff recommended Option 2 as the preferred approach. By tying affordability to the 80% AMI benchmark, this method offers transparency, simplifies compliance, and aligns with regional affordability standards. It also avoids market fluctuations and ensures consistent rent caps across academic years.

The affordable beds will be interspersed throughout the building, and an affirmative marketing plan will be required to ensure eligible students are aware of and can access these units.