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Neighbors protest; Planning Commission approves Oakey‑Mohawk rezoning, 38‑lot plan for single‑family homes
Summary
After extended public comment from longstanding neighbors opposed to higher density, the Planning Commission approved Taylor Morrison’s Oakey‑Mohawk rezoning and tentative map for a 38‑lot single‑family subdivision, while adding a condition requiring large, fast‑growing street trees and urging additional buffering measures.
Taylor Morrison’s rezoning and tentative map for an infill, 38‑lot subdivision bounded by Oakey Boulevard, Mohawk Street, El Parque Avenue and Edmond Street drew sustained public comment and opposition from long‑term residents, but the Planning Commission voted to approve the general plan amendment, rezoning and the tentative map.
Representing Taylor Morrison, Bob Groenauer described the proposal as a mixed product of two single‑family models sized for the market and sited to preserve rear yard separation for existing neighbors. He said Taylor Morrison aimed to provide higher‑quality single‑family homes, with layouts ranging roughly from 1,700 to 2,700 square feet and amenity open spaces. Groenauer said rear‑yard depths for homes backing existing properties would typically exceed minimums and that the project would bring public streets, sidewalks and large street trees.
Multiple residents spoke against the rezoning at the hearing. Speakers, several of whom said they have lived on nearby streets for decades, argued the existing neighborhood’s larger lot, rural character should be preserved and that the proposed compact lots would be incompatible. Concerns raised included traffic on Oakey and cut‑through driving on neighborhood streets, water and sewer availability, shadowing and two‑story massing next to single‑story homes, and possible increases in crime or nuisance activity. Several speakers asked that the commission deny the request or require much larger lots.
Commissioners said they considered the tension between preserving long‑standing single‑family character and the city’s 2050 master plan goals encouraging infill housing. Commissioner Rogan and others asked the applicant to work further with Council staff on perimeter yard buffering and tree plantings. Taylor Morrison and staff agreed to a revision adding a landscape requirement: all required street trees will be 36‑inch box size, fast‑growing specimens with a minimum 3‑inch caliper measured 6 inches from the trunk base; the commission asked staff and the applicant to explore siting 1‑story products on the lots immediately adjacent to existing single‑story homes where feasible.
The commission approved the general plan amendment, rezoning, petition to vacate patent easements and tentative map, subject to staff conditions and the added street‑tree standard. Planning staff said the item will move forward to City Council on Aug. 20, 2025.
Why it matters: The decision is a clear instance of the commission prioritizing city infill and housing goals while asking the applicant to add buffering and landscape mitigation to reduce impacts on older single‑family neighborhoods. Neighbors and the developer left the hearing with concrete follow‑up items to resolve before the Council hearing.
