Changes to the downtown Elon area were proposed by The Kaufman Associates, and if approved by the town aldermen, a number of off-campus student houses could be in jeopardy.
Now residents of these properties are speaking out.
Elon Junior P.J. Eisler lives on Haggard Avenue, and he supports the changes as long as none are made to his house.
"Elon definitely needs a downtown area," Eisler said. "Anything to better the university, I'm 100 percent for."
Sarah Smith, also an Elon junior, moved into an apartment on North Lee Avenue after studying abroad in the fall. Smith said she loves the neighborhood feel and is afraid that if Elon becomes too developed, it will lose its charm.
"It disappoints me because a lot of these houses were passed down from friends through organizations," said Smith. "They've been here for a while."
The new plan could include an interactive fountain and town commons area. There's also a monumental development proposed, which could be modeled after the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill.
Town Aldermen Davis Montgomery said there are no immediate plans to displace anyone, and the goal of the renovations is to help the Elon community grow.
"I definitely think more could be done to integrate the community of Elon with the University," said Eisler. "I think it's definitely separated right now."
Students and community members will have the opportunity to voice their questions and concerns to the town aldermen at the public hearing on March 3 at 6 p.m. It will take place at the Elon Town Hall before the town aldermen vote on March 11.