Residents Displaced for Proposed Student Housing Development

A new student housing complex called "The Standard at Reno" is moving in downtown, but it's displacing dozens of residents. 

The building would be a few blocks south of the University of Nevada. It would take up the entire block between Sixth and Seventh streets and Center and Lake streets.

The city says they're concerned about the people living there currently, but also say the development is necessary for more student housing.

The residents packing up and leaving have some have mixed feelings about it. 

"I don't think it's fair," said one resident. 

Another added, "It's something that has to happen. The university has to grow somewhere."

The people living in the 17 homes and apartment complexes have been given a notice to leave by June first.

James Malcolm Harris, a resident being displaced said, "Now we have to go through another process to try to find somewhere to stay. Most places when they buy the people out they help with the relocation and they're not doing that."

The city says the owner of the property is working with the different residents to help them find a new place, but it's not mandatory because it's private property. 

Bill Thomas, the Assistant Reno City Manager said, "There's no obligation legally for the city to do anything. But the council is very concerned about situations like this where new development is displacing people."

Francisco Lopez is a tenant getting assistance to move. For him, it's not a hassle. 

"With the university growing, we have to have more housing for the students. You have to have somewhere for them to stay. I went to the university so I know how bad it is to get some housing," said Francisco Lopez,  a resident being displaced. 

Once Lopez and his neighbors vacate their homes, they likely will be demolished to make room for a 6 story apartment building with 250 units and 800 beds.

Jacob Lee McCusker lives across the street from where the development would be built. He's worried about the hundreds of students living on the property. 

"Partying, noises, cars with base systems coming in and out on the street. It's just putting a lot of kids in one area," said McCusker.

The city says the development could have an economic impact on the area, changing it and making it better. 

"The university is growing it needs more locations for locations for students so that's what the market demand is. The other thing that's very important about it is the city council has specifically decided that they would like to see the university grow towards the south," said Thomas. 

Landmark Properties is developing this student housing complex and could not be reached for comment. The city says eventually they will come before the city council for a building permit to start construction.