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Area Plan Commission gives narrow recommendation for three-townhouse rezoning in Butler Street neighborhood amid strong resident opposition
Summary
The Area Plan Commission returned a 9-3 positive recommendation for rezoning that would allow three attached townhouses on a small Butler Street lot; neighbors packed the hearing to oppose the change, citing parking, traffic and neighborhood character concerns.
The Area Plan Commission voted 9-3 to recommend approval of Z-29-85, a rezoning request that would allow conversion of a small parcel on Butler Street to accommodate three single-family attached townhouse lots (R-1T). The case will be heard by Lafayette City Council on July 7.
Ryan (staff) described the site as a small lot on the eastern edge of a predominantly single-family neighborhood. The staff presentation said the proposed development would use alley-loaded, rear garages and meet the R-1T townhouse standards; staff recommended approval.
Anna Medrano, representing petitioner Andrew Stanko, said the project aims to build dense, affordable housing and requested the commission recommend approval. She said the development is intended to fit the R-1T standards.
Multiple nearby residents spoke in opposition, citing neighborhood character, parking and safety concerns. Michelle Roland (2412 Butler Street) said the street is quiet and would not accommodate the additional traffic she predicted, and she asked where up to 18 vehicles might park if three three-bedroom units were built. Fred Koning (neighbor) said the surrounding area is overwhelmingly single-family and said the proposed scale is inconsistent with the neighborhood; he also raised parking concerns. Other neighbors, including Gary Slopsima, Christine McIntosh, Wes (last name not provided) and Megan Duff, described worries about traffic, lack of sidewalks, on-street parking capacity, and potential impacts on children who walk to nearby schools. Residents also asked about the status of large walnut trees on the property.
In response to questions from commissioners, the petitioner’s representative said the units were intended to be owner-occupied though an owner could later rent a unit. The nonbinding site plan shows roughly 700-square-foot footprints per dwelling (about 2,100 square feet total across three attached units) with provision for two-car garages behind the units; commissioners noted the design is a single-family townhouse arrangement (not conventional multifamily). The commission recorded nine votes in favor and three opposed, returning a positive recommendation to Lafayette City Council. The council will make the final decision on July 7 at 6 p.m.
