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Commission continues proposed supervised independent living boarding home at 334 Como for outreach
Summary
After extensive public comment from neighbors, the commission continued a rezoning to allow an 8‑resident supervised independent living boarding home at 334 Como to Sept. 2 and asked the applicant to engage directly with neighbors.
The Zoning Commission continued a rezoning request for 334 Como Avenue to Sept. 2 after multiple neighbors voiced opposition and asked for more information and outreach. The applicant, Ian Ross, proposed a supervised independent living facility (ages 18–23) and an extended foster care program; staff recommended approval of R‑4 CD with a conditional use for a boarding home of no more than eight residents.
Staff (Alex Ratana) described the proposal and noted the property has an accessory dwelling unit that could support increased capacity; staff recommended approval. Ross said his program (Quarter Housing) would serve 18‑ to 23‑year‑olds aging out of foster care, providing counseling, vocational and educational support and a supervised living environment. Ross and his business partner said they are renovating the vacant property and intended to operate with around six residents initially but sought the capacity for eight.
Several neighbors and a neighborhood association representative spoke or left voicemails opposing the rezoning, expressing concerns about safety, the neighborhood’s older population, previous issues at other group homes, and lack of prior outreach; speakers included Daisy Lewis, Albusy Warner (speaking for her mother Patricia Dukes), Will Covington and Colosseum Willow Park Neighborhood Association President Armand Hathaway. One voicemail from a nearby property owner opposed the change. Public commenters said they learned about the proposal late and asked for additional information and assurances about supervision, staff response to incidents, and parking.
Staff explained the minimum parking requirement for a boarding home is roughly 0.3 spaces per bed plus one employee space (about four spaces for eight beds). Commissioners urged the applicant to meet with neighbors to address concerns and suggested a condition or point of contact for neighbor complaints. Commissioner Janelle Chase moved to continue the item to Sept. 2 to allow the applicant to conduct outreach; Commissioner Marco Barros seconded. The motion carried by roll call.
