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Planning and Zoning Commission approves conditioned second access for Fairway lot in River Park
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to allow a second access for the Fairway lot in River Park, approving a 36‑foot south access and a 24‑foot north access limited to entrance‑only and contingent on completion of a future roundabout; staff said the access should remain blocked until roundabout work is finished.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted March 5 to approve a conditional‑use request allowing two driveway access points for the Fairway lot in the River Park development, with conditions intended to reduce traffic conflicts near a planned roundabout.
Staff member (S5) told the commission the applicant requested a second access on South River Park Avenue to the north of the property and that “typically, our design standards do not allow an access point within 300 feet of an intersection of that type.” Staff proposed that a north access be limited to right‑in/right‑out operations and, if constructed before the roundabout is finished, remain closed to traffic until the roundabout and its median are completed.
Commission discussion focused on safety and traffic flow. Committee member (S4) said a driveway too close to the roundabout could create dangerous interactions between cars entering from the driveway and vehicles circulating the roundabout, and argued for a single point of ingress/egress near the intersection. Committee member (S2) said a north entrance could help circulation through the lot but expressed concern about allowing an exit there.
Committee member (S4) moved to approve two access points with the south access at 36 feet and the north access no more than 24 feet and restricted to entrance‑only, with the approval contingent upon completion of the roundabout per city engineering; the motion also stated a cumulative total width of 60 feet. Another commissioner (S6) seconded the motion. After brief additional discussion, Chair (S1) called a voice vote and the motion carried by voice; the transcript records the voice “Aye” and no recorded named dissent. Staff noted the applicant may appeal the commission decision to city council within five days.
Staff said that if the applicant builds the access before the roundabout is finished, it must be physically blocked (for example, with a gate or curb) until engineering signs off on opening it. The commission’s approval included that condition to reduce the likelihood that motorists will use the access in a temporary configuration that could increase crash risk.
The commission did not specify numerical vote tallies in the record; the action was recorded as passed by voice vote. The commission is scheduled to meet again on the 19th, when staff expects to bring additional materials.
