Board approves 35‑unit development for Homeless Empowerment Program after neighbors raise safety and school proximity concerns

The Community Development Board approved a comprehensive infill redevelopment plan on Jan. 21 to allow 35 attached dwelling units on a split commercial/residential parcel at 1718 North Betty Lane, to be operated by the Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) as permanent supportive housing for low‑income families.

Planning staff presented the dual‑zoned site and the project plan, describing a three‑building layout set back from adjacent single‑family properties with landscaping and a proposed six‑foot opaque fence along the north, west and south property lines and a four‑foot decorative aluminum fence along Betty Lane. Ryan Green, planning presenter, said the proposal shifts building mass toward the street to preserve a 60‑foot buffer to the west.

Ryan Green, planning and development, summarized the application: “This proposed use is for 35 attached dwelling units... the parcel itself is dual zone, both low medium density residential and commercial.”…