Ohlone College is slashing plans to build affordable student housing at the Newark campus. Ohlone College marketing director Ryan King said in an email that global conflict and inflation are the main reasons why the housing project would not happen. The cost of building materials were affected by tariffs, and there is a decrease in international student enrollment because of strict student visa policies.Â
As a result, the college realized there is no possibility of the housing becoming affordable for students, which was the whole point of the on-campus housing project. King said the goal was to provide housing to non-resident and at-risk students.
Plans for on-campus affordable student housing have been happening since 2020. The college even planned to have a groundbreaking ceremony in May—plans which fell through.
The City of Newark plans to have a market rate housing project on the Ohlone College Newark campus, called Harvest in Newark. Developer Lewis Management Corp. is proposing a 274-unit gated market rate residential development with townhome duplex buildings and townhome buildings. The project is under environmental review.
King said the college is finding ways to support students that need housing. That is being done through addressing emergency housing needs with Mission Peak Lodge and Alameda County. There will also be vouchers available for students with ongoing housing needs.
