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Neighbors press Planning Commission over scale, light and parking at proposed 1650 Broadway development; conditional use hearing continued
Summary
Neighbors and tenants objected to a proposed 34-unit, seven-story (75-foot) development at 1622'1662/1650 Broadway over light, air, trees, parking loss and construction impacts. The commission upheld the project's PMND but continued the conditional use hearing to March 12 after directing the sponsor to work with neighbors on light wells, west-side windows and facade details.
The Planning Commission held a lengthy public hearing on a proposed seven-story residential project at 1622 to 1662 Broadway (also referenced as 1650 Broadway) and an appeal of a preliminary mitigated negative declaration.
Staff described the amended PMND and recommended upholding the environmental determination. Dozens of neighbors and tenants from adjacent properties, including residents of 1690 Broadway, testified that the proposed building would block sunlight and ventilation, damage mature trees, worsen parking shortages, and subject residents to long construction impacts. One appellant said many tenants in nearby buildings rely on single windows as their only source of light and would effectively lose habitable light and air.
Project counsel and the architect said the design had been substantially revised from earlier submissions to reduce massing, set back the top floor 20 feet front and rear so the building would read as a six-story form in many views, preserve existing trees on the site and provide family-sized units with on-site parking. The architect said the submitted scheme reduced enclosed area by 23% from earlier versions and included materials and setbacks intended to reduce perceived bulk.
After calling dozens of speakers and receiving detailed neighborhood objections, the commission voted to uphold the PMND (staff environmental finding) but kept the conditional use hearing open and continued the item to March 12, directing the applicant to meet further with neighbors and staff to resolve outstanding issues (notably west-side light-well windows, facade details, and construction timing). Commissioner statements indicated a split on height but consensus that additional neighbor coordination was necessary before final action.
Next steps: Applicant and staff to meet with neighbors and return with revised materials and staff recommendations for the March 12 hearing; public hearing remains open.
