The Buildings and Grounds Committee of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees on Thursday recommended the purchase or condemnation of land north of campus where a private apartment complex had been planned.
Chancellor David Gearhart said university officials want to raze the 60-unit Sunshine Place Apartments and a rental home at West Cleveland Street and North Hall Avenue and turn the property into a parking lot.
The Fayetteville City Council in June approved plans for a 450-bedroom apartment complex on the property. The development, which is being referred to as Project Cleveland, was proposed by Springdale-based Specialized Real Estate Group.
Residents are challenging the City Council's decision in Washington County Circuit Court.
Don Pederson, the university's vice chancellor for finance and administration, said university officials do not intend to wait for the outcome of the lawsuit before moving forward with the purchase or condemnation of the property.
The full Board of Trustees will consider the issue during an 8:30 a.m. meeting Friday.