Planning Commission schedules workshop after heavy public turnout on Cambridge rezoning request

Developer Eric Newton presented a rezoning request Monday to change three Cambridge Drive parcels from single-family residential (R-20) to a multifamily designation (RN-3), proposing 52 units on roughly six acres.

Newton framed the proposal as an infill development intended to bridge higher-density land uses along Highway 93 and the lower-density single-family neighborhoods inland. He described project economics and community benefits: a roughly $14 million construction cost, a $1.5 million purchase price to the seller, an estimated $22 million direct and indirect local economic impact, development fees the team estimated at about $520,000 and projected annual tax revenue in the project's scenario of about $260,000. Newton also said the project would include sidewalks, a CAT bus stop and stormwater controls.

Why it matters: The parcels sit at the edge of Monaco Estates and Westcott and would place higher-density housing adjacent to long-established single-family neighborhoods. Residents consistently told the commission that they fear traffic increases, loss of tree cover and diminished quality of life.

Public comment: Dozens of residents attended and most opposed rezoning. Speakers cited traffic delays at the four-way stop near Cambridge and Issaquena, concerns about existing drainage and the safety of children who play in yards as traffic volumes have increased. Multiple residents, including homeowners who said they have lived in the neighborhoods for decades, said they prefer single-family development, citing the comprehensive plan's stated priorities.

Don Gibson, who said his family has owned the Cambridge property for 70 years, told the commission the family feels unable to continue maintaining the houses and supported a local buyer. Many neighbors disputed the need for a rezoning change and urged commissioners to preserve single-family zoning.

Commission action: Commissioners voted to delay taking a final position and to schedule a public work session with the developer to explore alternative configurations and mitigation measures. The motion to delay the vote and set a workshop passed (motion and second recorded; roll-call tally not specified during the meeting). Planning staff said the work session will be a public meeting at which members of the public may attend but not provide extended public testimony; the later Planning Commission hearing will include the normal public-comment period.

Why the delay: Commissioners said a workshop will allow technical details and alternatives to be explored'for example, whether townhomes or lower-density multifamily forms might meet some objectives without the same impacts'and will allow staff to present options such as conservation easements, required buffer treatments, or covenanted landscape placements that could be imposed as part of a rezoning or planned-development agreement.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of Planning Commission minutes for Feb. 10, 2025: motion made and seconded; commission adopted the minutes by voice/hand vote. - Cambridge Drive rezoning request (RZN E 000272-2024): Commission voted to delay a recommendation and schedule a workshop; motion and second recorded, outcome: workshop scheduled (no final zoning decision).

Ending: Commissioners said they will reconvene the application after the workshop and when the developer provides any additional technical materials requested; the matter will then return for a formal recommendation to City Council.