University Star

New apartment complexes are being built for student residents as more Bobcats come to Texas State each year. Four new housing complexes have been improved for student living and will be open in May and August. Students will have some new living options as a result for next fall, but there are environmental and transportation issues that could arise from construction.

The Avenue

Located off River Ridge Parkway, the complex consists of one- to five-bedroom flats and townhomes, with 752 beds total. Construction is underway, and by May 9 residents will be able to move in.

The Cottages at Hillside Ranch

The complex will consist of one- to five-bedroom townhomes, cottages and apartments. The Cottages is located at 1410 North LBJ and has 400 beds throughout the complex. The opening date is August 12.

The Vistas

The complex, located at 401 North Fredricksburg Street, is under construction and will open August 15. The Vistas, which consists of one- to five-bedroom apartments, has 597 beds throughout the property.

Wildwood

Residents will be able to move into the Mill Street complex in August. Wildwood is made up of one- to four-bedroom flats and townhomes, according to the complex’s website.

Environmental concerns
The environmental implications of construction are often a concern for some members of the community when apartment complexes are developed. Dianne Wassenich, executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation, said she is opposed to The Cottages at Hillside Ranch. Her reasoning was its construction runoff causes dirt to be washed into Saint Creek, which feeds into Spring Lake.

She said runoff causes many problems for the San Marcos River and Spring Lake, such as water clarity reduction and an increase in algae blooms resulting from a surplus of nutrients.
Commuting inconveniences

Nancy Nusbaum, associate vice president for Finance and Support Services, said an increase in students riding the trams is the only way new apartment complexes could affect the Texas State bus routes. She said students may have to leave earlier for their classes if more people are riding the trams than usual.

Nusbaum said if the new apartment complexes are not on the bus route, it is unfortunate because there are no more buses to send out.

“The bus routes are planned due to student density based on where the most students live,” Nusbaum said.

She said this is important to consider if students want to commute to school through the Texas State trams. Making sure that an apartment complex they could potentially live in has tram access is crucial for students, she said.