Council approves zoning and land-use changes for 50-unit senior affordable apartment at Shiloh Mesa

Colorado Springs City Council unanimously approved a zone change and a land-use plan major modification to allow a 50-unit senior affordable housing project at the northeast corner of Shiloh Mesa Drive and Mulberry Wood Drive.

Planning staff and the applicant, Grecio Housing, described the proposal as an affordable, age-restricted building intended for seniors. The project seeks a change in land-use designation and a modest increase in maximum height to accommodate the building’s roofline and mechanical features while keeping the portion of the structure closest to existing single-family homes stepped down to reduce visual impacts.

Staff said the project sought parking reductions permitted under the Unified Development Code for senior and affordable housing; the proposal calls for 32 on-site spaces where the code would typically require 53. Applicant representatives said they will provide alternate transportation options including shuttle service and coordinated volunteer drivers. The applicant noted experience with a similar project (Atrium at Austin Bluffs) that had a reduced parking supply without subsequent enforcement issues.

Neighbors voiced concerns about increased density, privacy, building height and traffic. In response, the applicants reduced the northern building massing, added landscaping and privacy measures (planter boxes and trellises) and altered some north-facing windows to minimize direct views into backyards.

Councilmember Mike O’Malley moved to approve the zone map amendment; President Pro Tem Crow Iverson seconded. That motion passed 8–0. Councilmember Lineweber moved to approve the land-use plan modification; Councilmember Michelle Tallarico seconded. That motion also passed 8–0.