From: Frierson, Cathy Sent: Friday, June 22, 2018 1:54 PM To: Karen Edwards Subject: Mill Plaza Proposal Dear Members of the Planning Board, I have reviewed the latest plans for the redevelopment of Mill Plaza. I have two concerns and suggestions related to those concerns. 1. CONCERN The vacancy rates in current off-campus student housing suggest that building primarily for a student population is not wise business. Every statistical indicator points to a decline in the student population at UNH. Among the pushes being made at UNH to make up for that loss is the strategy to attract more students who go to community college first. Students choose community college because it is less expensive; such transfers are an unlikely potential market for off-campus housing at market rental rates. All such students I have taught at UNH live at home with their parents to save money. SUGGESTION The developer should design several of the units (10%-20%) for non-student populations. Obvious likely renters include: a. people who are over 55 and in transition. Not yet ready for assisted living, but downsizing and testing life in Durham for assisted living. Waiting list for Church Hill apartments, for example? Many Durham residents have parents or siblings who are at this stage of their lives. b. First responders who work in Durham or adjacent communities, especially those with children who would have access to our school district. This suggestion would require the developer to have some units suitable for families or tenants who need wheelchair access to showers, baths, etc. Advantages to the neighborhood if developer would include these options: THIS MIGHT HELP CONTROL THE UNDESIRABLE STUDENT BEHAVIORS the surrounding neighborhood fears. Also, it would contribute to better relations between Durham property owners and our first responders. Advantage to the developer: More stable, reliable tenants who do less damage to the units each year. 2. CONCERN As I look at the design plan, I note that the pathway from Chesley Drive to Mill Rd along the lower edge of the plaza parking lot runs between two landscaped areas, with the first-level parking garage adjacent to one of those landscaped areas. This looks potentially dangerous to me….parking garages are easy places to hide or into which to drag potential victims. We need to ensure that young children and elderly persons can safely walk that corridor. SUGGESTION: Security cameras and extra lighting MUST be installed as deterrents to assault on pedestrians at the worst, or at the least, misuse of the garage space. Thank you for your service and attention to this communication. Cathy A. Frierson 38 Mill Pond Rd. Durham