The student housing task force voted on its initial recommendations to the Tuscaloosa City Council Wednesday, which could impact the development of additional student housing.

Mayor Walt Maddox created the task force in June in response to fears that there could be a surplus of off-campus student housing in the Tuscaloosa community, according to the Tuscaloosa News.

Student housing has been increasing at a rapid rate throughout Tuscaloosa. John McConnell, director of city planning and development services, said unlike other cities in Alabama, Tuscaloosa only requires one fee when building a new development, making it easier and less expensive to build here.

“We are cheaper and faster than anybody. There is no doubt about that,” he said at the meeting.

The task force considered the recent growth of The University of Alabama, acknowledging that 10 years ago the student enrollment goal was 19,000 – a goal quickly met. Student enrollment is now at 34,800 students, and the University is expected to release its new enrollment goals within the next year.

If enrollment goals increase, then there would not necessarily be a surplus of off-campus student housing, but Wilson Moore of Pritchett-Moore Realty said the new goal could be maintaining enrollment instead of increasing it.

“What I’ve heard is that the goal will be maintaining. I don’t know that we’ll see another increase goal,” Moore said.

Unsure of whether or not there is a true excess of housing and if the University will raise enrollment, the first recommendation of the task force was to pause any rezoning at this time and focus on building outward from the University and on what is already approved in Tuscaloosa.

“Rezoning is what messes up the plan,” McConnell said.

Rezoning is when certain stipulations, such as not being able to build four- bedroom apartments in large complexes, are altered for developers per approval of the City Council. Sterling Crimson, the Woodlands and the Retreat are all results of rezoning requests approved by the City Council in the past.

Members of the community have expressed concerns that the construction of large apartment complexes is taking away from the character and charm of Tuscaloosa.

Putting a temporary halt to rezoning will not stop the construction of student housing nor will it take anything away from properties that are properly zoned.

Members of the task force said by requesting to pause rezoning, they will be able to get a grasp of the present student housing situation, develop a comprehensive plan for the future development of Tuscaloosa and be able to coordinate with the University’s development plan.

Nevertheless, the City Council voted unanimously to approve three downtown building projects at its meeting Tuesday, including a new project called “The Balcony,” which is a 22-unit, 50-bedroom apartment to be built on the corner of Paul W. Bryant Drive and 23rd Avenue.

The second recommendation of the task force was to create a comprehensive plan for Tuscaloosa that would align with the master plan for the University so both the city and the school can be in agreement and work toward a common goal together.

Members of the task force also said in order to form a cohesive plan with the University, city staff should engage the same people responsible for the University’s plans.

Task force members said they are hopeful the City Council will take these initial recommendations seriously.