Brenau asking to convert apartments into dorm rooms

GAINESVILLE - A growing Brenau University needs dorm space for students and would like to convert some apartments near the campus into dorm rooms.

The Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board will be asked next month to consider granting Brenau a Special Use permit for the 14-unit Parklane Apartment complex.

Plans are to turn the apartments into dorm rooms for 56 students.

According to the agenda for the meeting, "The existing 14-unit apartments each contain two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living (area) and dining area, which would provide for four beds per unit for a total of 56 students."

The entry goes on to note that parking is located behind the existing buildings and access by motor vehicle is off of Park Street.

"A resident assistant will live at the facility and will oversee the behavior of the residents and the need for maintenance of the dormitories," according to the Planning and Appeals Board agenda. "The additional beds are needed to address enrollment growth, as well as the recent loss of 27 beds from two existing resident halls due to occupancy load requirements."

The apartments are at Park Street and Boulevard.

Planners will consider the proposal June 10.