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Planning commission hears major PDO amendment and mixed feedback on private streets for proposed Balance of Nature Gardens
Summary
Developers presented a substantial update to the Balance of Nature Gardens project—removing a manufacturing component, expanding a wellness and Liberty Village concept, and requesting private streets and other PDO changes. Commissioners and staff raised questions; no formal action was taken.
The Planning Commission on May 22 held an extended discussion (CC‑25‑11 / PSP‑25‑08) on a revised plan for the Balance of Nature Gardens project, a large planned development that the applicant described as a mixed‑use, walkable village with gardens, greenhouses, an amphitheater and a Liberty Village residential component. The applicant requested rezoning of the site to R‑1‑10 with a Planned Development Overlay (PDO) and removal of an earlier M‑1 manufacturing component.
Applicant presentation Neil Terry, the project architect, described the plan as a destination campus emphasizing walkability and on‑site amenities. “We want to emulate a European village and promote walking… perimeter parking… and then form of transportation that will pick them up and take them to the town center,” Terry said. The applicant asked the commission to consider private streets in the PDO to allow closing streets for events, parades and festivals and to control the on‑site environment.
Commission and staff reaction Commissioners asked for clarification on scope and had mixed reactions: - Several commissioners praised the concept of a walkable village and lower density compared with earlier versions that included a significant manufacturing footprint. One commissioner said the revised proposal looked “great” and that the project could be an important local amenity. - Commissioners and staff flagged concerns about private streets, public services, emergency access, and the city’s role in maintenance. Planning staff said they were not supportive of private streets in the PDO and that the issue would be a major question for the City Council. - Staff noted the application remains under refinement: permitted uses, public versus private street classification, and density questions were still being negotiated and that additional clarifications would be necessary before council review.
No vote; next steps The commission did not take a formal vote to recommend the revised PDO at the May 22 meeting. Staff recommended continued refinement of the application and the commission discussed the possibility of a work meeting; commissioners said they would like more detail on public‑service responsibilities and the precise uses proposed before a formal recommendation is made.
Ending Staff and the applicant will continue to refine the PDO language and utility/access exhibits; the item may return to the commission for additional review before formal action and before the City Council considers any ordinance or PDO adoption.
