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Commission approves 102‑unit multifamily project despite neighbors’ water and traffic concerns
Summary
A conditional use for a 102‑unit performance residential development was approved; neighbors raised concerns about drainage, construction traffic, and easements and the project team said access will use Shelton Hill with a left‑turn lane and stormwater controls will be required by engineering review.
The Auburn Planning Commission approved a conditional use request for a performance residential project consisting of 102 multifamily units and 238 bedrooms, split between CDD and DDH zoning. The property is in an area that includes previously approved phases of the larger development.
At the public hearing, nearby residents Jessica Wright (1129 DeKalb Street) and Mary Dorn (1113 DeKalb Street) said the proposed development backs directly up to their properties and raised concerns about increased construction traffic, potential disruption to access and fences, and stormwater runoff that could worsen existing standing water near their foundations.
Jessica Wright said she was worried about construction duration and safety, adding, “The other concern that I have would be stabilizing the land right behind our houses and the water flow… I don’t want that water to get stuck.” Mary Dorn asked whether an existing easement might be absorbed and said she feared more standing water and construction vehicles routing through neighborhood streets.
David Slocum, the project civil engineer, told the commission the project team completed a traffic study that recommended not connecting to Chickasaw Street; instead, access is planned via Shelton Hill with a left‑turn lane proposed to handle new traffic and reduce impacts on DeKalb Street. Slocum said the plan calls for construction and permanent access to come from Shelton Hill and that stormwater controls and drainage studies will be required during engineering review.
Slocum also said the applicant is proposing a 44‑foot buffer on the side adjacent to the existing homes, exceeding the 15‑foot minimum buffer requirement. He told commissioners the developer has not finalized phasing but expects the schedule and grading plan to be reviewed and permitted through the city’s standard DRT and engineering process.
After hearing public comment and receiving staff and applicant responses on traffic, buffers and stormwater controls, the commission approved the conditional use (case KCU2025‑011). The applicant will need to satisfy engineering, drainage and access requirements during the development review and permitting process.
