Students supported proposed development on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

UNC students showed support Wednesday for a proposed development that would bring amenities like tanning beds, water massage machines and a bar.

During a series of public forums on Wednesday, Trinitas Ventures sought student opinion on its proposed development, The Bicycle Apartments at Central Park.

The Bicycle Apartments would be located less than a mile from UNC at 602 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The development would include 194 units and other amenities — like a fitness center, internet cafe and a pool — that cater to students. Rent would run between $500 and $800 per person.

Travis Vencel, director of site acquisition and planning for Trinitas, said the best part of the complex is its proximity to campus.

“It’s an easy five to 10 minute walk to campus,” he said. “It’s easy for them to get there and easy for them to interact with other students who live on campus.”

During the forums, Vencel presented the site plan for the development and solicited student feedback.

“I think that they really considered the student lifestyle and what the priorities are,” said Eryn Rosenblum, a UNC graduate student.

But other students questioned some aspects of the development — like the size of the rooms and the availability of parking.

Trinitas is seeking a special use permit from the Chapel Hill Town Council because the site does not meet the required minimum for parking.

Since the developer began the application process a year and a half ago, Vencel said it has increased the number of parking spots by about 45 percent — allowing each unit to have one parking space.

But during its Feb. 20 meeting, the Town Council said the units, which range in size from one to four bedrooms, might need additional parking.

David Ravensberg, director of business development for Trinitas Ventures, said the developer wants to encourage students not to bring their cars to Chapel Hill by charging a separate parking fee on top of the rent.

Vencel said he believes the development won’t need as many parking spaces because of its proximity to campus.

“We just don’t believe it’s necessary to have excessive parking,” he said.

Despite the possible problems with parking, students approved of the project during the forums.

“I think it’s a good reuse of a strong site within Chapel Hill,” said Brian Ford, a UNC graduate student.

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.