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Commission reopens Walton (Second Street) public hearing, continues to Sept. 2 for more public-benefit detail and data
Summary
The commission continued the public hearing July 15 for a proposed five-story, 19-unit condominium at 1632–1646 Second Street, requesting more detail on public-benefit measures and neighborhood impacts before considering multiple variances including height and lot coverage.
The Plan and Design Commission on July 15 continued the public hearing for a proposed five-story, 19-unit multifamily condominium project at 1632–1646 Second Street (Walton project), asking the applicant to return with additional detail on public benefits and neighborhood impacts.
Staff summarized the current submission: demolition of three existing properties (totaling 13 units), replacement with a five-story building containing 19 units and below-grade parking. The applicant requests multiple modifications from city code, including height (requested 64 feet vs. 51-foot permitted in the zone), increased lot coverage (requested 49% vs. 33.3% permitted), relief from Article 23 pedestrian-frontage requirements (one primary pedestrian entrance instead of two), relief from a planting-buffer requirement along the alley, and minor lighting/foot-candle variances on the south and west property lines.
Staff and commissioners focused on whether proposed alley repaving and a $10,000 streetscape donation qualify as a public benefit commensurate with the scope of the variances requested. Staff noted that routine sidewalk replacement required because of construction is not typically credited as a public benefit; the commission discussed whether repaving the public alley adjacent to the site or installing permeable pavers would qualify.
Public commenters — neighbors and HOA representatives from nearby buildings — raised concerns about height and bulk compared with the existing block, traffic and pedestrian safety at nearby intersections, loss or reassignment of street parking, displacement and relocation assistance for current tenants, and the proportion and location of required inclusionary units. The applicant said it is prepared to work with staff and noted the project team has experience completing similar developments; the team said the project is fully funded and offered to coordinate mitigation measures.
Commissioners asked staff to gather comparative lot-coverage data for nearby buildings, to clarify what alley improvements would constitute a public benefit (for example, permeable pavers and curb work vs. mere resurfacing), and to provide the Housing Commission minutes and final recommendation. The commission agreed to continue the hearing to the regular meeting on Sept. 2 to allow staff and applicant time to supply additional materials. Notice will not be reissued for the continued hearing.
