The Ames City Council discussed possible new housing developments at two locations during its meeting Tuesday evening.

Council members first considered a possible student housing development by Trinitas Ventures, a development company, that would house up to 800 occupants in west Ames.

The land, located south of Lincoln Way and east of S. 500th St., is not currently within city limits, which means the city would need to annex the area, which would then hold the city responsible for maintaining the area.

This would include improvements to Lincoln Way, a shared-use path into town, water main extensions, sanitary sewer and stormwater improvements.

Another item considered was the fact that the area is not currently served by CyRide, which would be crucial to any student housing development.

Council members passed a motion requesting a proposal from the planning and zoning commission in order to aid them in considering annexation of the area in coming weeks.

They also moved to allow the planning and zoning commission to negotiate a development agreement with Trinitas should the land be annexed by the city.

The council members made sure to voice their concerns that any agreement between the city and the developers would translate to a commitment by the city to Trinitas’ plans for the land.

“If we move forward with negotiating the development agreement, are we committing any further to what the plan is for this property?” Councilwoman Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen asked City Attorney Judy Parks.

“That will still be an agreement that needs to come before you for approval and it isn’t a guarantee to [Trinitas] that they will get the votes necessary if [council members] don’t like what is being proposed,” Park said.

Council members also discussed development possibilities at 321 State Ave., also known as the old middle school site.

The city purchased the property in December 2015 with Community Development Block Grant funds with the intent of creating affordable housing opportunities in Ames.

One item regarding the development of the area was the council’s preference of ownership versus rental properties. Several citizens in attendance voiced concerns on this item.

The general consensus, shared by attendees who live in the area set to be developed, was that there is already an abundance of rental housing in their neighborhood.

They would prefer single-family ownership-housing in order to promote a better quality of living that students who rent tend to detract from the neighborhood.

“I just want a quiet, peaceful neighborhood,” said Marilyn Clem, 71.

While Councilman Tim Gartin noted that the “overwhelming number” of people who spoke Tuesday night were in favor of ownership-only housing, the council decided to pass a motion that would allow the developer to identify percentages of rental and ownership properties that they could review and approve.

The planning and zoning commission believed that this would allow more flexibility in the types of proposals that the city could consider.