Council approves 5200 S. Manhattan PD for 54 single‑family attached homes after debate over garage size, drainage and traffic

City Council approved an ordinance on first reading to rezone 5200 South Manhattan Avenue from Commercial Intensive (CI) to a planned development permitting 54 single‑family attached (townhouse) units.

Planning staff described the proposal as compatible with the Community Commercial 35 future land‑use designation and as providing a transition from single‑family detached to more intensive commercial uses. The applicant presented a site plan with 10 buildings and an internal courtyard; each unit includes a two‑car garage in most layouts and the PD provides 181 parking spaces where 135 are required, according to applicant materials.

Public comment and issues: Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition, raising three consistent concerns: garage dimensions, stormwater/drainage and local traffic congestion. Several commenters quoted a DRC suggestion that garages should be 20 by 20 feet for two cars; other speakers said the submitted plans show some garages at 18 by 18, which they argued are functionally one‑car garages. Speakers also submitted pictures showing localized flooding on nearby streets and argued that adding impervious surface would exacerbate drainage problems. Applicant and project representatives responded that the plan preserves existing trees, increases pervious area compared with the former warehouse site, and that some units have 20‑by‑20 garages with others supported by on‑driveway parking; the applicant proposed managed HOA porter service for trash and a dumpster location internal to the site.

Planning staff recommended a set of revisions to ensure that unit front doors and pedestrian connections comply with the comprehensive plan; the applicant agreed to make those changes between first and second reading. The staff presentation noted the project provides a new sidewalk along South Manhattan Avenue and retains an existing sidewalk on West Pearl Street.

Council action: Councilmember Clendenin moved the ordinance and the measure passed with an abstention recorded by Councilmember Carlson. The ordinance will return for second reading and adoption on March 6, 2025. Staff and the applicant will complete the required site plan revisions and pedestrian‑connection labeling before the second hearing.