Commission hears proposal to convert Sloan School site to compact‑neighborhood townhomes; staff recommends denial

Planning staff told the commission the property at 3131 North O'Connor Road—currently used by the Sloan School and designated in the future‑land‑use map as traditional neighborhood—has a pending comprehensive plan amendment to change the designation to compact neighborhood and a companion rezoning for townhomes.

Staff noted the comp‑plan request (case 2025‑142‑CP) and the companion rezoning (case 125141CC) propose about 23 townhomes in illustrative site plans that would reconfigure the school parcel with a single driveway and internal circulation. After review staff recommended denial of the comp‑plan amendment and of the rezoning. Planning staff said they received no letters in support and four letters in opposition.

Commissioners and staff discussed the illustrative nature of the proposal and what compact‑neighborhood designation allows. Staff explained compact neighborhood zoning permits a range of housing types, including cottage homes and low‑density multi‑dwelling, and that the townhome illustration was the applicant’s first concept. Commissioners asked about likely building heights: the RTH standard allows up to 30 feet and three stories depending on roof type.

Several commissioners echoed staff concerns about compatibility: the site sits between single‑family neighborhoods on both sides, and one commissioner noted the parcel is “sandwiched” between existing homes. Staff pointed out the site abuts existing single‑family residential and a new elementary school nearby; commissioners said that context supports careful consideration of density and massing.

Staff emphasized that the plan submitted is illustrative only; if a comp‑plan amendment were approved, applicants would still need to proceed through formal site plan and zoning processes with detailed submittals. No formal action or vote was taken at the work session. The item will proceed through the public notice and hearing process.