District 33 PUD proposal advances in public hearing; neighborhood business urges reopening of growler room

A planned unit development (PUD) application from District 33 LLC moved through public hearing on June 9 as the developer described plans for mixed‑use redevelopment around South 30th Street and A Street. The proposal would rezone about 12.78 acres to a PUD that combines commercial (B‑3), residential (R‑2) and office (O‑2) uses and lays out six planning areas intended to encourage walkable commercial activity and neighborhood‑scaled housing.

The applicant, who identified himself as Terry and said he and his wife own the property, described community outreach and an open house at Randolph Elementary. Planning Department Director David Carey and planner Steve Dush summarized the staff review and noted conditions intended to moderate transitions where the proposed higher‑intensity areas meet existing residences. In particular, the PUD requests a 45‑foot maximum height in Planning Area 4 (where some adjacent zones have a 35‑foot limit); staff said the higher height is intended to support a neighborhood commercial core while setbacks and design requirements would smooth the transition to adjacent homes.

Brands Liquor Works owner Lori Reza testified in support of the PUD and asked the council to approve language that would allow her business to reopen its former “growler room” for on‑site consumption. Reza said the room previously served as a neighborhood gathering place and that the PUD would allow a responsible, regulated reopening that contributes to local street life.

No final council vote on the change of zone/PUD occurred at the June 9 meeting; the record indicates staff will return with any required corrections and clarifying motions at a subsequent council action. Planning staff told the council they expected to bring clarified ordinance language and a motion to rescind an older zoning agreement for an office parcel if the PUD is approved.

Why it matters: The PUD would guide redevelopment in an area that city leaders and the applicant described as underutilized. If approved, it would change allowable uses and heights in portions of the site and could enable small businesses such as Brands Liquor Works to restore on‑site services that were previously restricted by zoning.

Next steps: Planning staff will return recommended language and any technical corrections for council consideration at the next ordinance reading; the council indicated it may consider a clarifying amendment at that time.