City staff presents rezoning proposal for 32 attached homes at 147 Temple Avenue

City planning staff presented a rezoning proposal on May 27 to rezone 7.06 acres at 147 Temple Avenue from CUN (Urban Neighborhood Commercial District) to PDR (Planned Development Residential) to allow a planned development of attached dwellings (a mix of duplexes, triplexes and townhouses). The applicant is listed in the staff packet as Templar Development Group LLC; the project was described to the council as a proposal for 32 attached dwelling units on currently vacant land.

Dean Smith, who presented the item for staff, said the application returned after an earlier withdrawal and that the current plan adds three units compared with the last submittal and converts lots to fee‑simple ownership (land plus unit). The applicant redesigned parking to reduce on‑street parallel spaces, provide driveways for individual lots and include a remote overflow parking area intended for guests. Smith told council members that the Planning Commission voted 6–0 to recommend approval at its May hearing.

Council members questioned access and maintenance. One councilmember asked about a short roadway segment and whether the remote parking area would be public; Smith replied that parking responsibility depends on how the property is platted and that the city typically does not accept responsibility for privately improved parking areas. He said the hammerhead turnaround intended for emergency vehicle access would more likely be within public right‑of‑way and that the city commonly requires performance bonds for developer‑installed improvements so the city can repair deficiencies during a bond period.

Other technical points raised during the discussion included a wetland near the site and a mailbox kiosk located near the stormwater detention structure. Staff noted that Widener Street has an existing 15‑foot right‑of‑way in part of the area and that the applicant agreed to improve Widener Street up to the emergency access point; the extent of improvements would be set at final platting and construction review. The staff presentation and site plans indicated the project would include guest parking, a hammerhead turnaround for fire access, and that some parking areas would be maintained by a homeowners association (HOA); Smith noted the parking maintenance notation is shown on the plan.

The record contains a statement that the development "will be capped" and that only a small portion would be rental units; the transcript was not explicit about the exact rental‑unit cap, and that specific limit was not provided during the work session. No formal council action was taken at the work session. Staff indicated that final platting and subsequent formal agenda steps would delineate right‑of‑way dedication, maintenance responsibilities and any bond requirements for construction and performance.