A step forward for 101 York project in Towson

Plans for construction of 101 York, a mixed-use project of student housing, commercial space and parking, advanced a step last week when County Councilman David Marks, who represents Towson, introduced a resolution April 21 to approve the continued review of a proposed planned unit development for the project. The council is expected to act on the measure May 22.

The project, which faced criticism from Towson leaders when it was introduced last year, has been revised, according to Marks.

Additional parking, bike racks, a stop for the future Towson circulator, changes in architecture and a community benefit package directed to the three closest neighborhoods adding $15 million to the original $60 price tag have been added to the project, Marks said.

If the project proceeds as proposed it will have room for 611 students, 495 parking spaces, 9,300 square feet of retail on the ground level, as well as an option to lease 150 additional parking spaces from the Baltimore County Library garage, according to Wendy Crites, executive director of DMS Development, the project's developer.

The newest proposal, she said, adds 40 more beds as well as another level to accommodate the additional parking. The project, located on the west side of York Road, will have access to both York Road and Burke Avenue

"It is strictly student housing," Crites said.

Units will have either two or four beds with two baths, although there will be some one-bedroom studio apartments as well. The front desk will be staffed at all times.

Revisions came in response to neighbors' concerns, Crites said. "I feel like we reached out there to meet people's needs," she said.

The project has the support of Nancy Hafford, executive director of the Towson Chamber of Commerce.

"It makes sense," she said. "Towson University has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 15 to 20 years."

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A step forward for 101 York project in Towson