Royal Oak board approves parking variance for 59-unit mixed‑income project at 401 E. 3rd St.

The Royal Oak board voted to approve a parking variance that will allow a developer to build a 59‑unit mixed‑income building at 401 East 3rd Street despite providing 63 on‑site spaces instead of the 89 required under city code.

Staff explained the site is 0.37 acres in the Central Business District and that Planning Commission approval for the site plan and special land use was contingent on this board granting a waiver for 26 spaces. Steven Dronen of Lockwood Companies (speaker 17) told the board the project mixes 31 affordable apartments with 28 market‑rate units and that the team had pursued several design options but faced a tight site, overhead utilities and a high water table that make deeper or expanded parking costly.

Dronen described financing from the low‑income housing tax credit program, City ARPA funds and Oakland County Housing Trust Fund support, and said affordability restrictions will run a minimum of 30 years. On unit mix and occupancy he said ‘‘everything is 60% AMI and below’’ for the affordable set, with some units at 50% AMI.

Supporters including transit advocates and downtown residents spoke in favor at public comment, arguing the site’s walkability, transit access and the project’s high share of affordable units reduce car ownership and justify fewer spaces. Local businesses and some residents raised concerns about displacement of existing private parking and visitor parking impacts.

After discussion about assigned parking, handicapped stalls (two on site) and precedent, the board voted to grant the variance and the applicant may move toward permitting and a hoped‑for summer construction start.

The board did not attach additional conditions on parking assignment in its motion; staff noted parking assignment and management would be part of operational planning and building permitting.