Planning Commission approves Gardenia Apartments with eight neighborhood conditions

The Edmond Planning Commission on March 3 approved a site plan for the Gardenia Apartments, a proposed three-building development totaling 69 dwelling units on roughly 4.3 acres, after the applicant agreed to eight conditions negotiated with nearby residents.

David Box, the applicant’s representative, told the commission the project team met with neighbors following previous denials and appeals and proposed eight specific conditions intended to address concerns. “We think it's a project that's, important to Edmond,” Box said, and asked the commission to approve the site plan with the added conditions.

City staff had described the project as three buildings of approximately 30,400 square feet each with a maximum height just under 35 feet and a total of 69 dwelling units, with access from Ayers Avenue. Staff recommended approval of the site plan.

Box read the eight conditions into the record, which include: installing evergreen plantings 11–12 feet tall at planting along the north property line; preserving existing trees and underbrush within 20 feet of the north edge of the site; enclosing third-floor balconies and breezeways on the north-facing building; constructing an 8-foot masonry wall (with weep holes) between existing retaining walls; adding awnings over upper third-floor windows on the northmost building; maintaining the top of the berm within the easement along the north property line; providing revised plans to neighbors at the time of building permit submittal; and, subject to Edmond Public Works approval, diverting water at the northwest corner of the property to the south of the existing bank.

Neighbor Gary Bartley, who lives at 1209 Nicebridge Road in the notification area, said the eight items addressed “99% of our concerns” and endorsed moving the project forward. Neighbor Nicole Peterson, of 1204 Knightsbridge Road directly behind the site, said she was pleased the developer had met with neighbors and that, with the eight changes, she could support the project moving forward.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the masonry wall, berm and preservation of trees; an engineering representative with Johnson and Associates explained the masonry wall will connect retaining walls and was shifted to minimize tree removal while protecting the berm and drainage.

Chair moved to approve the site plan with the eight added neighborhood conditions; the commission approved the motion by a 5-0 vote and forwarded the matter to the city council for final action.

The project record notes the site is zoned to allow the proposed use and density by right; the planning commission’s approval adds the negotiated conditions to the site plan. The item will next appear before the Edmond City Council on the council’s consent or regular agenda per the commission’s usual transmittal process.