Trustees considering different apartment complex to purchase

Fort Scott Community College officials are considering a different option for a proposed student housing project.

During discussion on the topic Monday, the FSCC Board of Trustees heard from President Alysia Johnston, who said college officials are looking into another option involving a proposal to address a need for student housing.

On Feb. 26, the board voted 5-1 to approve a resolution that is the first step toward acquiring and renovating the Sycamore Grove Apartments and the Red Ram Motel, 701 N. National Ave., into apartments for college students.

The resolution of the board states the board has determined “the advisability of financing the acquisition, construction, installation and equipping of certain improvements by the execution and delivery of a lease purchase agreement.”

Trustees spent about 40 minutes in executive session Monday to discuss acquisition of property, and after returning to open session, amended the meeting agenda to include discussion on student housing.

“Other housing options have come up closer to campus,” Johnston said. “We’re looking at ways to increase housing for students; there’s not enough.”

Johnston said the college dorms are running at 90 percent capacity “but we’ll never be 100 percent full in our dorms.”

“Students leave and transfer,” she said.

Johnston said the alternative option college officials are considering is the Garrison Quarters Apartments located at 1731 S. Horton St., rather than the Sycamore Grove Apartments at 401 W. 10th St., as part of a package to acquire properties for student housing.

“We now have a different apartment building closer to campus,” she said. “It’s not as many beds but we feel it’s a better option.”

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