Monroe Planning Commission elects Melanie Lockhart as chair and Brandy Blair as vice chair

The regular meeting of the Monroe Planning Commission took place on February 10, 2025, with a focus on public comments, the election of new leadership, and proposed amendments to city policies regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of Commissioners Blair, Dawkins, Lockhart, Lowe, and Petrino, establishing a quorum. Following this, public comments were invited. One resident, Stacy McGrader, expressed her support for the proposed addition of ADUs in various residential zones, urging the commission to consider expanding this proposal to include mixed-use neighborhoods. McGrader highlighted the economic challenges of converting her single-family home into a mixed-use property, advocating for a more inclusive approach to the proposal.

The commission then moved on to the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on January 27, 2025, which was unanimously approved without amendments.

Next on the agenda was the election of the chair and vice chair for the 2025 Planning Commission. Commissioner Kelsey nominated Melanie Lockhart for chair, which was seconded and approved by a unanimous vote. Lockhart's election was noted as seamless, with no opposition. Following this, Commissioner Kelsey nominated Brandy Blair for vice chair, which also received unanimous support.

The meeting proceeded to discuss proposed amendments to the city’s accessory dwelling unit policies, presented by staff member Amy. She outlined recent state mandates aimed at increasing the housing supply, including the need for policy updates related to ADUs. Amy indicated that further discussions would follow regarding the conversion of existing buildings to residences and other housing initiatives.

In summary, the meeting highlighted community engagement through public comments, the successful election of new leadership, and ongoing efforts to adapt city policies to meet state housing mandates. The commission plans to continue addressing these important housing issues in future meetings.