Developer proposes 10 townhomes on oversized lot in Battleground Place; neighbors raise traffic concerns

Swanson Development presented a conceptual plan to amend PRD zoning for a single large lot inside the Battleground Place subdivision to allow a 10‑unit townhome development. Staff said the lot is already inside the city limits and the future land use map designates the neighborhood suburban residential. Matt Taylor told commissioners the developer held a neighborhood meeting and received feedback primarily about traffic and parking.

Taylor said the proposed small townhome project would likely use private trash carts and private collection and that each unit would include a two‑car garage with additional off‑street parking. He described the site as roughly 1.5 acres and said under PRD allowances the proposed density fits within the code parameters (the applicant referenced an effective density near PRD limits).

Several commissioners and council members expressed concern about the fit of attached units on the narrow streets in that neighborhood and noted on‑street parking and tight turning movements. One commissioner said the roads are "really tight" and reported frequent curbside parking. Staff noted that the PRD process provides the planning commission and council greater design oversight and that a formal application would include detailed engineering, sewer allocation and street/traffic review.

Because the item was conceptual, no formal application, vote or permit decision was made; staff directed the applicant to consider neighborhood input and return with formal plans if they wish to proceed.