Seaside planning commission approves 36-unit apartment despite Grocery Outlet safety concerns

The Seaside Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional use permit and highway overlay review for a 36-unit apartment complex near Avenue P and Irvine Street, also approving the applicant's proposed compact-parking ratio, after public testimony raising safety and access concerns from nearby Grocery Outlet representatives and local business owners.

The project, presented by Randy Stamper, project manager for RDA Project Management representing Seaside Multi LLC, would build two residential buildings with a total of 36 units and 51 parking spaces. Jeff, the planning director, told the commission the applicant proposes access from both Avenue P and South Irvine Street and that staff is recommending conditions including a detailed lighting plan, stormwater engineering for a proposed pond, and fencing around the pond to protect public safety.

Why it matters: Grocery Outlet and several neighbors told the commission the proposed vehicular access—routing some residential traffic through what functions as Grocery Outlet's parking area and a narrow platted city right-of-way—could create pedestrian safety hazards for shoppers and employees. The commission approved the application but added conditions intended to reduce safety and engineering risks before development permits are issued.

Public comments and developer response Tom Jensen, owner and operator of Jensen's Grocers LLC (d/b/a Grocery Outlet), testified that while he supports additional housing, he was "very concerned with the entrance of the proposed apartment complex having driving access between [Grocery Outlet] store property and the apartment…