WHAT: The St. Paul City Council imposes a moratorium on conversion of owner-occupied homes into multi-unit student dwellings in the area surrounding the University of St. Thomas.

WHY: Council Member Russ Stark says there is long-standing tension between homeowners and students who move in and out of homes during the school year.

PROBLEM: Homeowners complain about traffic, noise and upkeep on properties used as housing for multiple students.

NEXT MOVE: A public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 at City Hall. Then the Planning Commission will conduct a study on possible options.

TIMETABLE: The moratorium can stay in place no longer than a year, but the council has asked the Planning Commission to finish sooner rather than later.

OPPOSITION: None yet. The university supports a moratorium and study. Any proposals that come from that study could be tougher to sell.

ROCHELLE OLSON