During the Jan.14 board meeting, the Ohlone College Board of Trustees recently heard a presentation about the on-campus housing project that would be available to college students and employees.
The Newark campus housing project will have two connected buildings, according to Ohlone College vice president of administrative services Wrenna Finche. One is for student apartments, and another is for students with families and college employees.
The current breakdown is 95 student apartments and 68 family/employee apartments, although that number can change, according to college staff. The proposed date students can move into the apartments is August 2028.
Each student would pay per bed. Proposed rents include $2,034 for a studio, $1,674 for a two-bedroom unit, and $1,504 for a three-bedroom suite with one room having two beds.
Another option is a 4-bed unit with each bed having its own room, costing $1,828 per student.
Finche said family and employee apartments would be rented out by unit and not by the bed, with a total rent of $3,476 for a two-bedroom unit. A studio is $2,086. Rent includes utilities, internet and a gym.
Trustee Suzanne Chan asked if low-income students would have priority. College staff said it’s still under discussion. Prioritizing low-income students, a lottery system and first-come first-serve are all options.
Trustee vice chair Lance Kwan said he is concerned about the project’s environmental components, such as electrified buildings and LEED certification. A representative for Volz, an advisor for the Newark housing project, said they do have a solar component and plans to become LEED certified.
Chan also asked about universal design for students who use wheelchairs. The housing advisor said the units can easily convert to universal design if there is a need.
