Carbondale planning commission continues hearing on proposed mixed‑use building at 242256 Main Street amid height, shading and public‑access questions

The Carbondale Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 12 continued the public hearing on a proposed three‑story, mixed‑use development at 242256 Main Street so staff and the applicant can provide additional studies and clearer commitments on public rooftop access and shadowing.

The proposal, presented by Andrew Dillon, a partner at ForumFi, would replace a one‑story commercial building with about 15,000 square feet of new space — roughly 9,000 square feet of commercial space and 6,000 square feet of residential units — and asks the commission for two alternative compliance exceptions: a reduction in ground‑floor floor‑to‑floor height from 14 to 12 feet and height overrides for stair and elevator overruns to permit roof access.

Why it matters: commissioners and members of the public focused on whether the project’s mass at this block of Main Street — adjacent to the Village Smithy — would harm the downtown’s historic character and reduce winter sunlight on the Smithy yard and Main Street. Commissioners also pressed the applicant for a binding mechanism to guarantee that the rooftop deck would function as a public amenity rather than a rarely used private amenity.

Staff presentation and HPC feedback

Ellie, planning staff, summarized packet materials and the Historic Preservation Committee’s (HPC) courtesy review, saying HPC members were…