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Neighbors compel commission to continue Ord Court/State Street proposal amid debate over removing mature cypress trees
Summary
Neighbors asked the commission to preserve two mature Monterey cypress trees and challenged rear‑yard variances for proposed State Street homes; after lengthy public comment the commission continued the item to March 12 and asked sponsors, staff and commissioners to try to identify design alternatives that protect the trees and street character.
A contentious block‑long neighborhood debate over proposed homes behind 22 and 24 Ord Court and new State Street frontages ended with the Planning Commission continuing the matter to March 12 and asking staff, the project sponsor and neighborhood representatives to meet to explore alternatives.
Neighbors argued the two mature Monterey cypress trees define the street and should be preserved and said removal would be precedent‑setting. Speakers presented a neighborhood analysis showing the trees’ contribution to the street’s alternating pattern of greenery and urged conditions such as increased setbacks, reduced roof decks and tree‑protection plans. Several neighbors supplied an independent arborist report and asked the commission to require arboricultural mitigation and to consider alternate site layouts that retain trees.
Project sponsors said they had reduced height (removed an upper floor in earlier plans), differentiated facades and reduced off‑street parking from two spaces to one in response to commission requests. Sponsor counsel noted that DPW had conditionally approved a tree permit subject to final project approvals and that a Board of Appeals tree appeal remains available under the municipal process.
Why it matters: the commission framed the issue as a design and precedent question: commissioners emphasized the street’s unique character, the long lifespan of mature street trees, and the need to explore creative massing or setback options that could allow housing while retaining significant trees. Commissioners Moore and Richards volunteered to work with staff, sponsor and neighbors to seek compromise.
Next steps: item continued to the commission’s March 12 meeting for further consideration after stakeholder meetings and any revisions to plans or tree‑protection documentation.
