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Neighbors cite ‘insufficient information’; Apex duplexes CUP deferred to February
Summary
Neighbors told the Planning Commission they received inadequate mailed information about a seven‑duplex development on Elam Street; the applicant and staff said notices were sent and staff recommended approval, but the commission deferred the conditional‑use permit to the February 2026 meeting to allow more community engagement and possible plan revisions.
Staff presented a conditional‑use permit (file Z-10234) for Apex to build seven duplexes on roughly 1.07 acres in the 3800 block of Elam Street; staff recommended approval subject to standard conditions. Attorney Kendall Grooms, representing Apex, said the developer had submitted required notices and revised site plans in response to staff questions and that staff had reviewed the materials.
Two neighbors — Sandy Becker and a speaker the chair identified as Hugh Romero — told the commission they had received mailed notices that lacked sufficient detail about setbacks, unit placement and how the duplexes would physically fit the site. Becker told the commission, “Objection simply due to lack of sufficient information to be able to understand what this development will impact our neighborhood.” Romero made a similar point, saying the mailed materials did not give enough information for neighbors to gauge neighborhood impacts.
Grooms responded that the required notices had been mailed and that staff had met with Apex representatives and requested plan revisions. He said the developer typically provides renderings in similar projects and offered to post renderings, meet with residents and provide contact information so neighbors could obtain application documents. Grooms also noted potential easement and alley‑access complications that could explain parking being shown in front of the proposed duplexes.
Commissioners raised design concerns, particularly about parking being located at the front of the units. One commissioner said parking in front was “bad design” for a predominantly working‑class residential neighborhood; others suggested the developer meet residents and provide renderings. The applicant and staff supported deferral to allow time for additional documents and outreach.
A motion to defer consideration of the Apex duplexes CUP carried; the commission deferred the item to the February 2026 meeting so the applicant can provide additional drawings, address design and parking questions, and meet with neighbors.
