Community raises parking concerns over multifamily development at 222 East State

The City of Westminster held a meeting on February 25, 2025, where the Mayor and Common Council addressed several key issues, primarily focusing on parking concerns related to a proposed multifamily development.

The meeting began with a discussion about the parking situation surrounding the new development, which consists of 64 residential units. A local business owner expressed significant concerns regarding the adequacy of parking, noting that only 65 spaces have been allocated for the units. He highlighted that many residents of two-bedroom units typically own more than one vehicle, leading to potential parking shortages. The business owner described the current parking challenges, particularly on busy nights and during events at nearby establishments, which often result in double parking and overflow into his lot.

Another resident echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the proposed parking plan would not sufficiently accommodate visitors or additional vehicles. The developer responded by stating that the project would provide 88 parking spaces, exceeding the minimum requirement of 64. However, this was still deemed insufficient by several attendees, who argued that the actual demand would be much higher.

The council also discussed the implications of adopting an ordinance to create a neighborhood overlay zone, which would allow for increased density and multifamily development in the area. This overlay is intended to ensure that the development meets specific requirements and improves conditions for the community. The council confirmed that any development plans would need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission to ensure compliance with zoning ordinances.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further address the parking issues and ensure that the development aligns with community needs. The council plans to continue discussions and gather more input from residents as the project progresses.