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Planning commission recommends denial of mid‑block rezoning after neighborhood opposition
Summary
The commission voted to recommend denial of the SPUD 16‑87 rezoning (923 NE 607th Street) after neighbors cited parking, street width, height and loss of green space; the item will go to City Council in six weeks.
The Oklahoma City Planning Commission on Feb. 13 voted to recommend denial of SPUD 16‑87, a rezoning application that would have allowed two duplex structures (four dwelling units) on lots at 923 Northeast 60th Street.
Commissioner Jason Pennington (Ward 7) told the commission he had met with the applicant and neighborhood residents and said he could not support the rezoning. Neighbors who spoke at the meeting urged denial, citing narrow streets with limited curb and turning space, inadequate off‑street parking, loss of long‑standing neighborhood green space and a covenant the speakers said restricted density in the block. Several neighbors said the proposed three‑story building form and a large front driveway were out of character with the one‑story homes on the block.
Resident Karen Canfield, who said she represents roughly 60 neighbors opposing the change, said the proposal would place four rental units on nine lots, reduce greenspace and present parking and emergency‑vehicle access problems. Vicky Wilson, another adjacent neighbor, said she supported single‑dwelling homes rather than a rezoning to allow multifamily.
Commission discussion noted the applicants had met with neighbors and revised plans, but commissioners expressed concern that rezoning from R‑1 to R‑2 in the middle of a block predominantly zoned R‑1 would set a precedent and could not be made acceptable through redesign alone. Commissioner Pennington moved to recommend denial; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Noble and passed. The commission chair reminded the applicant that the item will go to City Council in six weeks and the process is not finished.
Why it matters: The decision signals the commission’s reluctance to approve mid‑block density increases that change a neighborhood’s character when adjacent properties remain single‑family. The commission’s recommendation will be considered by City Council, which makes final zoning decisions.
Next steps: The matter will be heard by City Council in approximately six weeks per the chair’s statement; applicants may meet with council members and pursue appeals or revised proposals at that hearing.
