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Commission approves 2245 Geneva Ave mixed‑use project despite neighbor parking concerns
Summary
The commission approved a three‑building mixed‑use infill at 2245 Geneva Ave that would add nine dwelling units (one BMR) and ground‑floor retail, after staff presentation and sponsor assurances to discourage tenant parking on Pasadena Street.
The Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use request Oct. 2 for a three‑building, three‑story infill at 2245 Geneva Avenue that would demolish an existing one‑story commercial building and develop nine dwelling units over commercial ground floor spaces. The department recommended approval under Planning Code section 161(j) to reduce off‑street parking for dwelling units in an NC district, and commissioners voted to approve the project with conditions.
Staff told commissioners the project would provide one below‑market‑rate (BMR) unit on site and the proposed buildings would be approximately 35 feet tall; two of the three lots are currently vacant. The department reported a single phone call in opposition from a neighbor, Aurora Garcia of Pasadena Street, who expressed worry about additional on‑street parking pressure and said she intended to circulate a petition. Project counsel said the sponsor, Spencer Thomas, had discussed parking concerns with Ms. Garcia and would include language in rental agreements requesting tenants avoid parking on Pasadena.
Commissioners voiced both support and caution: several said parking impacts are likely and asked staff to monitor vehicle behavior at developments that provide fewer than one space per unit; Commissioner Antonini suggested future post‑occupancy studies to assess whether residents rely on cars when projects reduce parking. On a roll‑call vote the commission approved the project. Staff and sponsor will coordinate on conditions and post‑occupancy monitoring.
Why it matters: The approval illustrates the commission’s ongoing balancing act between supporting infill housing and retail in commercial corridors and responding to neighbors’ concerns about spillover parking and neighborhood impacts. The project adds infill housing in a transit‑served area and includes one BMR unit as part of the developer’s proposal.
Next steps: The sponsor will return with any building permits and implement the agreed tenant parking language; staff indicated the department will track parking impacts and report findings as part of ongoing project monitoring.
