Commission recommends denial of 249‑unit multifamily SUP amid resident traffic and buffering concerns

The commission voted to recommend denial of a renewed Specific Use Permit for a 249‑unit multifamily development on about 17.38 acres south of US 287 after extended public comment and commissioner debate about traffic safety and neighborhood compatibility.

Staff (speaker 12) said the parcel’s comprehensive plan designation allows multifamily uses and noted the project had previously received an SUP that expired because a certificate of occupancy was not obtained within the approval window. The applicant redesigned the site after engineering located retaining walls and reduced the unit count from 294 to 249; staff recommended approval conditioned on many of the previously granted variances being retained.

Developers and architects (speakers 20 and 14) said the project has been fully engineered and that parking and building elevations meet city standards. However neighbors from Westside Preserve said the site overlooks existing homes, raised concerns about limited ingress/egress on Highway 287, and argued that increased density will worsen safety and congestion at the single community entrance. Commissioners debated parking‑stall widths and the high proportion of compact uncovered stalls in the design; the applicant said management can assign decals or reserved spaces if parking becomes a problem.

After debate, commissioners voted 4–3 to recommend denial to city council. The motion and discussion made clear the issue will move to council for final action.