Commission approves PUD site plan for 5025 S. Highland; recommends vacating old Arbor Lane right‑of‑way

The Planning Commission approved a revised site plan and preliminary plat for a mixed‑use planned unit development at 5025 South Highland Drive on May 6, after staff confirmed required setbacks, a 10‑foot sidewalk and added parking‑lot landscaping had been incorporated.

Staff noted the applicant moved the commercial building back and added landscaping islands and additional trees along the east property edge. The application also includes a recommendation that the city vacate an unused portion of the old Arbor Lane alignment and fold that area into the parcel; that vacation will be considered separately by the city council.

Commissioners asked that trees planted along the east side be canopy‑forming rather than solely columnar species to provide shade and improved long‑term canopy. The commission added that change as an amendment to the motion approving the preliminary plat and PUD site plan.

Action taken: The commission voted to approve the preliminary plat and PUD site plan, with conditions to address engineering comments and a recommendation that the city council vacate the unused portion of Arbor Lane right‑of‑way. The motion included the tree‑type amendment (canopy trees along the east side).

Next steps: Staff will forward the favorable recommendation on the Arbor Lane vacation to city council and work with the applicant on final plat details and plant species selection to meet the canopy requirement.