Student housing code delayed

It will be at least another year before the City of Niagara Falls changes its zoning code to regulate student housing in DeVeaux.

The city council, based on a recommendation from Director of Planning Kevin Forma voted Wednesday to delay implementation of the new law for one year.

The move will allow more time for the redevelopment of the Jenss Building on Main Street into student housing.

Jenss is one of 38 structures along Main and neighboring streets acquired by the city after Blue Cardinal Capital was foreclosed upon.

This is the second delay in implementation. The new law is designed to limit student housing in DeVeaux. Students favor the economics and freedom of renting from a private landlord.

The challenge becomes the struggle of young adults learning to be good neighbors rather than party animals. Reality is there is no chance new student housing in the Jenss Building will be move-in ready by September, 2026.