Columbia, MO (KTRS) Columbia is putting a temporary halt to new permits for some multifamily housing projects in the college town.

The city council voted 5-2 Monday night to approve the freeze, which applies to an area near the campus of the University of Missouri.

The proposal cites “unprecedented growth in the construction of off-campus student housing”and the university’s significant enrollment decline for fall 2016 as reasons for the freeze.

Administrators announced last week that enrollment is expected to be down by 2,600 students, a significant jump from earlier estimates. The drop in enrollment follows campus protests last Fall.

In opposing the ordinance, Councilwoman Laura Nauser said it would push students to residential neighborhoods in the city’s periphery.

The freeze is expected to remain in place through December 1st.