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Council conditions approval of Canyon Crossing No. 2 on original single-family/duplex split after neighbors object
Summary
The council approved preliminary plat SPP24-04 and a development-agreement modification for Canyon Crossing No. 2 but added a condition requiring the original plan's mix of 15 single-family homes and 5 duplexes, after residents raised concerns about density, design and a history of project delays.
The Caldwell City Council on April 7 approved preliminary plat SPP24-04 for Canyon Crossing No. 2 and a modification to the development agreement, but added a condition that the second phase adhere to the original entitlements'five duplex slots and 15 single-family lots'after extensive public opposition.
Morgan Besaw, planning and zoning, outlined the request: a 5.5-acre parcel proposed for 20 duplex lots (40 dwelling units) that would yield a density of about 7.2 dwelling units per acre in an R-2 (medium-density residential) zone. Besaw noted that horizontal infrastructure'roads, water, sewer, sidewalks, playground and open space'had already been constructed under prior entitlements, but the earlier approvals expired in 2022 and the applicant reapplied.
The project drew sustained public comment from multiple neighbors who said the development broke promises made in earlier approvals and expressed concern about higher density, aesthetics and past management of the site. Phyllis Jewett, a long-time neighbor, said, "This has been going on since 02/2016. It looks like a weedy mess." Terry Koehler and other residents urged the council to require single-family homes rather than duplexes.
Developer representative Daniel Sharp (engineer) and applicant John Giuliani said the infrastructure is complete, utilities are available, and duplexes are permitted in R-2 zoning. Elizabeth Kekaritz, land use counsel for the applicant, told council the preliminary plat meets the five statutory findings for approval and that the project conforms with the comprehensive plan'Neighborhood 2 designation.
After deliberation, Councilor Denber moved to approve SPP24-04 with the condition that the phase adhere to the original 5-duplex/15-single-family split from the 2016 entitlements; Councilor Dodi seconded the motion. The council approved the motion; one council member registered opposition. The council instructed staff that, should proposals be submitted, design-review-type conditions could be added later at building permit stage or through a more specific development agreement.
Why it matters: The decision resolves a multi-year dispute between neighbors and the developer by reinstating the earlier unit mix that had been part of the initial approvals, while leaving building-level design review to future permit review.
