The City Commission approved a site plan and companion development agreement for a 15‑unit building on Alibaba Avenue, with a last‑minute amendment committing 12 of the units to senior housing (55+). The vote followed testimony from developer Jorge Dela Fe and technical review from the Planning & Community Development director.
The project, located in the BO (Business Office) district within the Magnolia North mixed‑use overlay, will include three live‑work units on the ground floor and 12 one‑bedroom residential units above. Planning staff said the parking count — 20 on‑site spaces — met the city’s senior housing standard but would not provide a dedicated customer lot for the prospective live‑work businesses; those visitors would use on‑street spaces. Planning Director Gregory Gay told the commission the parking calculation had been made for senior housing, which typically has a lower parking demand.
Developer Jorge Dela Fe described unit designs tailored for older residents — low‑threshold showers, lever door locks and in‑unit laundry to reduce the need to walk to a common laundry area. Commissioners said they supported the revitalization of the Magnolia North “triangle,” but several members pressed for clarity on occupant eligibility and whether a senior designation should be formalized in the development agreement.
Vice Mayor Kelly moved and the majority of the commission adopted an amendment specifying that the 12 one‑bedroom units be reserved for residents aged 55 and older; the amendment passed on a 4‑1 vote (Commissioner Santiago opposed). With the change, the commission approved both the final site plan and the development agreement.
Speakers included developer Jorge Dela Fe; Planning Director Gregory Gay; and commissioners.