Residents raise neighborhood character and private covenant concerns as comp plan hearings continue

Multiple neighbors at the Aug. 27 public hearing said they support more housing overall but are worried about how zoning changes could alter small, established neighborhoods.

Mary Stahl, who lives on Dakota Street, told commissioners a nearby property owner sought approval for a triplex and said that scale would be “completely out of character for the neighborhood.” Stan Schimkus and other neighbors described overgrown lots and fire-risk concerns on adjacent parcels.

The nut graf: commenters repeatedly asked the city to be explicit in mapping where denser housing is proposed and to clarify comparisons between current zoning and proposed changes; several also asked for city assistance addressing private deed covenants that restrict density despite zoning allowances.

Betsy Braun said her neighborhood’s original plat includes covenants that effectively bar the accessory dwelling units and other housing forms the comp plan seeks to encourage. Braun asked staff to help residents and neighborhoods navigate or remove restrictive covenants and homeowners association rules that prevent infill and smaller housing types.

Staff responses during the hearing stressed that the comprehensive plan sets policy and that the forthcoming development regulations will show specific regulatory changes and the zoning map transitions. Commissioners and staff reminded speakers that private covenants are enforceable between private parties and the city cannot unilaterally remove them, but staff said it will provide clearer information online about current and proposed zoning and how to submit concerns.

Ending: the hearing record includes specific neighborhood petitions and property-owner requests; staff plans to publish the proposed development regulation amendments and an updated zoning map so residents can compare existing and proposed rules before subsequent hearings.