The Planning and Zoning Commission on July 9 approved an amendment to the Meadowview Ridge planned unit development that would allow increased residential density and permit additional building height at a site near Seventh Avenue South.

Planning staff and the applicant described the site’s history: the area had been platted and used for green space until commercial development arrived, and earlier approvals included limits on mixed‑use density and a 72‑unit cap on the property. The current amendment request asks to increase density, allow up to five stories in parts of the development and to permit roughly 150–160 residential units under the revised plan; staff noted the applicant was still refining plans and that the final unit count could be lower.

Multiple neighbors and other attendees spoke at the public hearing in opposition. Speakers raised concerns about traffic on 40th and Seventh avenues, the adequacy of existing intersections and signals, potential shading and loss of sunlight for nearby townhomes and single‑family homes, and the scale of a five‑story building adjacent to lower structures. Kevin Koontz and Mary Ascom Loveseth were among those who described the likely traffic impacts and the change to neighborhood character.

Planning staff told the commission the applicant must meet the city’s zoning requirements for parking, impervious‑surface limits and other standards; the plan would be reviewed for those elements and any final approvals would require demonstration of compliance. Staff noted prior limits on units that were placed when the property was rezoned in earlier years and said the current request reflects an updated plan and market interest.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about parking, ingress/egress and the project’s compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. The applicant indicated they had been in outreach and that concepts for commercial space and amenity areas were still under discussion.

After public comment and short deliberation, Commissioner Eichert moved approval and Commissioner Mattson seconded; the motion passed on voice vote with one recorded opposition.

Why this matters: The amendment would enable a sizable increase in housing supply on a large site at the south end of the city, but it prompted immediate concerns from nearby residents about traffic, building height and shading that staff said will be handled in subsequent site‑plan review and by technical compliance with parking and impervious‑surface standards.