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Council approves controversial plan amendment at Covell and Bryant after residents voice safety, tree and character concerns
Summary
Despite lengthy public opposition over traffic, tree preservation and neighborhood character, the Edmond City Council voted 5-0 to approve a comprehensive‑plan change (PA25‑one) that allows suburban‑infill development at 1421 East Covell; proponents say it enables more housing options and future infrastructure improvements.
The Edmond City Council on July 22 approved Ordinance No. 4048, a comprehensive‑plan amendment (PA25‑one) changing the plan designation for 1421 East Covell from “rural neighborhood” to “suburban infill.” The vote was 5-0.
The amendment clears the way for future applications that could increase residential density on the 1.5‑acre property; it does not itself rezone the site nor approve any specific site plan. The council and staff repeatedly reminded listeners that rezoning, platting and site plan approvals would come later and require additional public notice and hearings.
The applicant and owner described a project concept of townhomes and duplexes that would amount to 16 units on the 1.5‑acre parcel. “We’re talking about duplex, quadplex and a couple of 5‑plex units — 16 lots on an acre and a half,” Greg Massey, the applicant’s representative, told the council. Owner Barry Hutchison described plans for two‑story, brick townhomes and said the project would include an 80‑foot buffer area and onsite amenities.
Neighbors urged denial and described longstanding concerns about traffic, safety and compatibility with surrounding acreage lots. “My most pressing concern is Edmond intentionally left the people in my neighborhood out of discussions for this project,” said one longtime resident who said she has lived four blocks north of Ayers for 31 years. Several neighbors told the council they had not received advance materials and asked for more direct outreach.
Speakers repeatedly raised the safety of the Covell/Bryant intersection. Victor Perez, who lives across Bryant from the site, told the council he sampled traffic at noon and counted “75 cars went by in five minutes,” a figure he used to emphasize the existing volume and hazard at the intersection. Other residents described blind spots caused by topography and tree cover and said the area currently lacks sidewalks and pedestrian signals.
Opponents also raised property‑value and character concerns. “This apartment will bring in increased noise…our neighbors’ privacy will be gone,” said Mary Epps Welch, who lives near the site. Several speakers asked the council to preserve large yards, mature trees and the existing low‑density character of the northeast Edmond neighborhoods.
Planning staff said the availability (or potential extension) of public water and sewer makes the suburban‑infill category appropriate for the 1.5‑acre site and noted that the proposed change is consistent with citywide goals to provide additional housing types where infrastructure permits. At the planning commission hearing in June a motion to approve had failed on a 2-2 vote; planning staff recommended approval to the city council.
Council members debated outreach and timing but emphasized that a plan amendment simply permits consideration of denser housing types; it does not grant development entitlements. Several council members urged the applicant and staff to conduct additional neighborhood meetings before any rezoning or site plan is filed.
After discussion, the council moved to approve the plan change. The ordinance does not itself authorize construction; any subsequent rezoning, plat or site‑plan applications will be subject to review, conditions and public comment.
