In a recent county board meeting, significant discussions centered around the proposed site plan amendment for Crystal Houses 7 and 8, located at 1900 South Eads Street. The amendment aims to double the number of residential units from 21 to 42 by redesigning the units to back-to-back multifamily configurations, which will increase the ground floor area by approximately 41%. This change necessitates a major site plan amendment due to the proposed addition of a third story for each unit, featuring lofts and roof terraces.

Emma Martin, representing the county's planning team, highlighted that the project aligns with the county's parking policy, proposing a parking ratio of 0.63 spaces per unit, which includes provisions for visitor parking. The project has garnered positive feedback from various committees, including a unanimous recommendation from the transportation committee and an 8-0 vote from the planning commission.

Jack Lester, a partner with the development company EYA, emphasized the collaborative efforts that shaped the proposal, which aims to enhance housing affordability and improve public spaces. The design includes features such as four-sided architecture, increased parking, and sustainable building practices, including an all-electric project and enhanced stormwater management.

The planning commission raised concerns regarding accessibility, noting that while no additional accessible units would be added in this phase, there would be 271 accessible units in other buildings within the Crystal House development. The commission acknowledged the challenges of integrating elevators into the existing design without compromising the overall unit count.

Additionally, discussions addressed the maintenance of open spaces, with plans for a homeowners association to oversee these areas, ensuring that public parks are well-maintained. The county staff also assured that community engagement would be prioritized during the construction phase to keep residents informed.

The board's approval of the site plan amendment marks a significant step in the ongoing redevelopment efforts in Crystal City, reflecting a commitment to increasing housing density while addressing community needs and sustainability goals.