Commission continues hearing on proposed transitional housing at 334 Como after neighborhood safety and notice concerns

The Zoning Commission continued a request to permit transitional housing for young adults at a property on Como Avenue after multiple neighbors—many elderly—expressed safety and notice concerns.

The applicant said the property would serve young people aging out of foster care, initially housing six residents with the potential to accommodate up to eight under zoning; the operator described services including job training, therapy and case management and said residents would be supervised and connected to employment and education opportunities.

Neighbors voiced alarm that some nearby residents are elderly and rely on on-street access; callers and attendees described past problems with vacancy and trespass at the property and asked for clearer information and direct neighborhood outreach. Several residents said they had not received adequate notice of the proposal.

Commissioners and staff discussed parking requirements, with staff noting the minimum parking standard of 0.3 spaces per bed plus one per employee, a calculation that would likely translate to about four on-site spaces for an eight-bed facility. Commissioners encouraged the applicant to meet with neighbors, provide clearer outreach and establish a point of contact.

After discussion, commissioners voted to continue the case to Sept. 2 to allow the applicant time to meet neighbors and return with additional documentation and outreach.