Zoning commission hears McMillan PUD modification; applicant commits to 22,500‑sq‑ft grocer but seeks retail flexibility

The Zoning Commission on July 17 heard testimony on a modification to the McMillan PUD (ZC Case 13‑14E) that would change the retail, housing and design details for Parcels 2 and 4 of the Reservoir District redevelopment.

Gary Kavlicek, attorney for the applicant, told commissioners the project now has a signed lease for a grocery at 22,500 square feet and that the application increases the minimum retail commitment on Parcel 4 and adds deeper affordable senior housing, but seeks flexibility to adapt retail space if a grocer’s lease terminates. “The applicant is not proposing to eliminate the ground floor retail or the grocery store,” Kavlicek said.

Why it matters: The McMillan site has been under phased redevelopment since the 2014 PUD approval. Commissioners and agencies said they want the project to move to construction quickly, but several elected and community representatives and neighbors warned that broad retail and conversion flexibility could reduce promised neighborhood retail and jobs and undercut the original public benefits.

What the developer proposed and defended

Ruth Long, senior vice president of development, summarized changes tied to market challenges and prior litigation delays. The applicant said it raised its committed grocery minimum to 22,500 square feet and increased other retail…