Committee approves Abbey Meadows final plan and plat for 220 townhomes; developer commits to EV conduit and energy measures

The Zoning and Economic Development Committee on May 28 approved final plan and final plat petitions for Abbey Meadows, a proposed townhouse community that would add 220 units on the east side of Redant Road and Mesa Lane.

Gerald Morgan, senior planner, summarized that the final plan complies with the previously approved preliminary plan and noted a minor addition: a new path at the northeast detention area to connect the townhome development to neighboring property. Staff said the plan includes added evergreen screening along the eastern property line and berming and landscaping along major edges to buffer adjacent uses.

John Filipchuk, an attorney representing CalAtlantic/Lennar, described the development as a mix of two‑story, front‑loaded traditional townhomes (about 1,700–1,800 square feet) around the perimeter and larger 2½–3‑story urban townhomes (roughly 1,764–2,200+ square feet) inside the loop streets, totaling 220 units. The project includes two park areas (one with play equipment and a roofed shelter), private open space maintained by a homeowners association, and stormwater detention basins positioned to create separation from neighboring single‑family homes.

Filipchuk and other members of the development team said the project will include conduit installed at initial construction so future buyers can add EV chargers and will run conduit into attics to allow for possible rooftop solar installations. The developer also described energy‑efficiency measures — 2x6 wall framing with R‑21 insulation, R‑38 attic insulation, 96% efficient furnaces, low‑E glass and energy recovery ventilators — and said many units will meet Energy Star program items. Staff noted state code already requires EV conduit in certain circumstances and that the city is working through adoption of the 2024 building code, which contains additional standards.

Committee members asked about unit types, laundry location (developer said laundry plumbing is provided in the lower level), exterior materials and price points. The developer estimated front‑load traditional units at about $400,000 and larger urban units in the mid‑$400,000s; staff observed those prices are higher than adjacent resale comparables.

Rosemary Smith, speaking in a real estate capacity, told the committee she had shown Liberty Meadows (a similar Lennar product) and supported the development. Following a motion to advance the final plan and plat by Rosemary Smith and a second by Vice Chair Patty Smith, the committee approved both items by unanimous vote (5‑0). Staff said the approved items will be forwarded to the City Council for final consideration.

The committee’s approval included requirements and developer commitments recorded during the hearing; any code changes or conditions required by building and permits will be addressed through the city’s standard permitting process.