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Neighbors oppose Laverne Avenue multi‑unit proposal; Planning Commission rejects conditional-use request
Summary
After extensive public comment about privacy, tree loss and parking, the Planning Commission voted down a proposal to create a three‑unit multiple‑unit development at 613–615 Laverne Avenue; the vote failed on roll call.
A contentious conditional-use case for 613 and 615 Laverne Avenue failed after extensive neighborhood testimony and a roll-call vote by the Planning Commission.
Staff described the proposal as a multiple-unit development (MUD)—three units proposed on two existing lots—citing required consolidation plat conditions. Dozens of neighbors attended the public hearing to express opposition, citing loss of tree buffers, removal of a natural privacy screen, increased parking demand on a narrow street, and proximity to Drake Middle School. Several speakers said the site’s future land-use designation is 'neighborhood preservation' and that the proposal would not preserve existing character.
Commissioners discussed technical details including whether the site could meet the required lot frontage and whether the density complied with the DDH rules; staff noted DDH regulates units per acre (not beds) and that to achieve three units on the lots applicants needed a consolidation plat. A motion to approve the conditional-use application was made but failed on a roll-call vote: Nonnette Reese voted yes; several named commissioners voted no (transcript lists votes by name). The commission recorded that the item will move to city council as required for appealed or recommended items.
Neighbors and commissioners said the discussion highlighted recurring concerns about infill density, parking on narrow streets and maintaining existing neighborhood character.
