The Board of Zoning Appeals on May 15 voted to forward a favorable recommendation to City Council for petition 24‑19, a special‑use request to allow a six‑unit townhome structure at 1525 West 90 Sixth Avenue.

The petition, presented by James Suss for Windermere Townhomes LLC, seeks a special use to allow “multifamily dwellings. In this case, 6 townhome units, continuous 1 structure,” on a roughly 1‑acre vacant parcel currently zoned B2. Suss said the applicant plans to follow the special‑use petition with a change‑of‑zone application to rezone the parcel to R3 residential so commercial uses allowed under B2 would no longer be permitted at that site.

Planning staff reported that the parcel is surrounded by residential uses, that the comprehensive plan shows commercial/office use, and that the current B2 zoning could allow businesses such as drive‑through restaurants and liquor sales as straight permitted uses. Planning Department staff recommended approval of petition 24‑19 and told the board it had received no letters of remonstration. “Planning department recommends approval of petition 24 19,” the staff report said.

Petitioners presented a site layout showing a new alley to provide garage access, with garage doors facing north and small patios facing south. Rick Locosto of RC Development said his company has built similar townhomes in Crown Point and that he expects construction could begin this summer.

Board members questioned consistency with surrounding uses. Board member John Marshall said, “I think the proposal works for the area.” After discussion, the board voted to send a favorable recommendation to City Council. The motion to recommend approval was made by Board member John Marshall and seconded by Board member Sowerman; the roll call recorded votes in favor by Sowerman, John Marshall and Nick Nocovich.

The recommendation will go to City Council; the planning staff noted the council meeting date as June 2 for the rezoning consideration and asked petitioners to be available to answer questions there.