Council approves 29‑unit townhome project on NE 3rd Avenue after applicant scales plan to neighborhood

Debbie Love of community planning presented Tab O, a site‑plan approval for a 29‑unit, two‑story townhome development on approximately 2.46 acres comprised of six vacant parcels near NE 3rd Avenue. Staff said the site is zoned R‑4 (low‑medium residential) and the two‑story townhome plan is an as‑of‑right development that provides 58 parking spaces, exceeding the code requirement of about 42 and offering roughly 10,000 square feet of open space beyond code minima.

Applicant Jose Vicarondo said the current proposal was reduced from an earlier 60‑plus‑unit plan the developer inherited when purchasing the properties in November 2023. Architect Daniel Martinez described the units as two‑story townhomes with two‑car garages, three‑ to four‑bedroom layouts and communal amenities including a pool and clubhouse. The applicant said the development will leave laterals in place to enable nearby single‑family homes to connect to future sewer service, and will dedicate right‑of‑way to improve the dead‑end street.

Resident commenters acknowledged the design quality but urged the applicant and the city to ensure sidewalks, drainage, fire‑department access and water capacity are addressed. Councilwoman Estime Irvin and others requested assurance that impact fees be applied to pay for nearby court improvements and sidewalk installations.

Council voted to approve the site plan 4–1. Conditions discussed on the record included securing drainage and two exit points/adequate emergency access, coordinating sewer laterals for adjacent homes, and confirming whether the homes will be offered for sale or rental (the applicant said market conditions will determine whether units are sold as condominiums or retained as rentals).