To the Editor-

I am writing in response to the article regarding the new student housing developments published 11/29.

As a prior landlord in Stevens Point, current landlord in Orlando, Florida, and still having property ties in Stevens Point, I know first hand what this will do to the Division Street Corridor. Lets stack ’em and pack ’em, without any regard to the safety of the students residing in them, the safety of the pedestrians that travel that road daily, the landlords who are LOCAL residents who rely on their rental income as their sole source of income, and spend it locally.

Do we really want flags, signs, colored lights, etc hanging off of balconies creating unsightly views? What about garbage blowing in the wind? What about the appearance of a used car dealership? This is what developments like this will bring. While city officials have a very short term view, we must look at these developments as long term, and really understand how they are going to fit into the community.

Allowing a complex like this will create great saturation in the future. Why do you think UWSP is buying up property on Briggs… obviously to build another housing complex in the future. Pulling students from privately owned, locally owned housing is not the answer. You are just moving a problem, and will further encourage the deterioration of the properties and property values for the homes and rentals which reside in these neighborhoods.

Say no to Andrew Halverson and big out of town developers looking to create saturation in our student rental market! Perhaps this “NO” will sink in…..