"We just can't do it if we take 25 percent of our revenue away," he said.

Ball said his company has done several similar student housing projects in places like Albany and Rochester, and they have been successful with hundreds of students on waiting lists.

He explained that the units are very tightly run to ensure security and safety.

"You would be absolutely amazed at how they (students) keep the rules when they know they can't live there if they don't," he said.

In addition to the strict no-drinking and no-smoking rules, visitors must sign in and will only be allowed to stay for 48 hours each week.

All units will be same-sex and students can be evicted for violating city or school policies.

"This brings students closer to campus and under stricter rules," Ball said.

Councilor Amy Valentine (D-Ward 5) wanted to know how United did their marketing research for the project.

Ball said they calculated the number of students and the number of housing units available in the area and figured the market could sustain a new housing project with as many as 800 units if necessary.

He said the project would likely take students out of the Center City area.

"History says that it will draw off the bad housing in a community if there is bad housing," he said.

Students will probably pay around $650 to $700 per month for rent at the project.

Ball said Plattsburgh State President John Ettling has pledged his support for the plan.

"Colleges have to compete for students and this helps the college attract students," Ball said.

Ball said that if all goes well, he hopes construction can begin next July, and the project can open to students for the fall semester of 2009.