Santa Rosa board approves 50‑unit Lago Fresco project with conditions after traffic and design concerns

The Santa Rosa Design Review and Preservation Board on Tuesday voted 4–1 to approve design review for the Lago Fresco apartment project, a 50‑unit, four‑building development at 2445 Summerfield Road and 4744 Hoenn Avenue (file DR22‑037, PRJ22‑019). The board attached conditions aimed at improving building articulation, pedestrian access and grading after an extended public hearing that focused on traffic, parking and tree removal.

Monet, a city planner, summarized the proposal as a 1.31‑acre infill project that includes four buildings ranging from three to four stories, on‑site amenities and four deed‑restricted very‑low‑income units that qualify the project for a state density bonus and related concessions and waivers. Staff said the project received a Class 32 CEQA infill exemption and that the planning commission previously approved a major conditional use permit and the density‑bonus letter.

The applicant team, represented by architect John Anderson of Anderson Architecture and Planning, described site layout and design changes made in response to prior reviews: the tallest building (Building D) was set back from the street to provide common open space; the color palette and exterior…