Development Commission rejects Preferred Living rezoning for Central College Road after heavy neighborhood opposition

The Development Commission voted against recommending a rezoning that would allow a 175‑unit apartment complex on a 10.1‑acre site on Central College Road, after extensive public comment from nearby residents and Northland Community Council representatives.

Applicant counsel David Hodge said the project was revised after earlier hearings: the plan reduced units from 216 to 175, rotated buildings to reduce overlooking, and doubled setbacks in some places. "We have doubled setbacks, reduced building height and reduced density," Hodge told the commission.

Opponents emphasized long‑standing Northland plan guidance calling for about 3 dwelling units per acre and said the proposed 17.4 units per acre is out of scale with surrounding single‑family neighborhoods. "This is panel spot zoning," said Matthew Ward, president of the Asherton Grove Condominium Association. Northland Community Council co‑chair Dave Paul and multiple community association presidents urged denial, citing traffic, school‑bus routing and neighborhood character.

The applicant argued the city needs housing and that the design changes respond to community input. "We are in furtherance of city policy," the applicant’s counsel said, noting citywide planning priorities for housing. Commissioners debated whether the proposal advanced city housing goals or instead improperly departed from the Northland plan.

After a roll call, the commission did not approve the rezoning; staff may transmit the record to City Council for further consideration, and the applicant may choose to pursue the matter before Council.