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Commission directs staff to draft findings recommending approval for 19‑unit Walton condo project, with one dissent
Summary
After several updates and public comment, the Plan and Design Commission directed staff to prepare findings recommending approval for a five‑story, 19‑unit condominium development at 1632–1646 Second Street, with a 5–1 vote to move findings forward and the matter continued to Sept. 16 for finalization.
The Plan and Design Commission on Sept. 2 directed staff to prepare findings recommending approval for a proposed five‑story, 19‑unit condominium (the “Walton” project) at 1632–1646 Second Street and continued the item to the commission’s Sept. 16 meeting for final action. The motion passed 5–1 on a roll call vote.
Why it matters: The Walton project requests multiple code modifications—additional height and lot coverage among them—and has been the subject of repeated review, public comment and scrutiny because it affects downtown scale, inclusionary housing obligations, and traffic/parking patterns near the commuter rail corridor.
Project and modifications: Staff summarized the application as a 5‑story, 19‑unit condo building with underground parking and requested relief including: (1) increased height (applicant requests ~64 feet vs. 51 feet allowed), (2) increased lot coverage (49% requested vs. 33.3% allowed), (3) a single primary entrance where the code calls for two on a corner lot, (4) partial relief for perimeter planting buffering, and (5) variations to visual clearance and light‑level (foot‑candle) limits at some property lines. The applicant updated floor plans to relocate and resize inclusionary units (one now 3‑bedroom) and amended the public benefit package to replace a $10,000 streetscape donation with a $100,000 contribution to the City’s Housing Trust Fund. Staff and the applicant supplied a lot coverage analysis comparing the proposal to surrounding properties.
Public testimony and agency review: Commissioners and multiple public commenters raised concerns about building bulk, open space, traffic and pedestrian safety at the nearby intersection, potential light levels along property edges and the adequacy of public benefits relative to the requested relief. The housing commission had deferred final action and scheduled a Sept. 10 review of inclusionary unit sizing and the applicant’s amended proposal; staff noted the applicant had provided updated inclusionary floor plans shortly before the meeting and that the housing commission would consider them on Sept. 10. Interdepartmental reviews (including public works and fire) were in process; staff said public works continued to discuss whether a passenger drop‑off area was appropriate.
Deliberation and vote: After public comment and further discussion, a commissioner moved to direct staff to prepare findings recommending approval of the Walton project. The motion carried on roll call 5–1 (Commissioners Incek, Nannis, Mantis, Vice Chair Kirsch and Chair Moore voted yes; Commissioner Henry voted no). The commission also continued the public hearing to Sept. 16 so staff and the applicant can finalize findings and any follow‑up materials.
What’s next: Staff will draft findings for commission review and the matter will return Sept. 16. The housing commission will meet Sept. 10 to review the applicant’s updated inclusionary unit proposals; the commission asked staff to circulate technical review comments (fire, public works) to the packet for Sept. 16.
Sources: Presentation and testimonies at Highland Park Plan and Design Commission meetings, June 3, July 15 and Sept. 2, 2025; statements by applicant representatives and staff.
