Planning commissioners reject Hutchison rezoning; neighbors cite traffic and compatibility
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Summary
A proposed rezoning for 2 acres at Covell and Bryant to a PUD allowing up to 16 residential units failed at the Planning Commission after residents argued the density, easements and sight-distance needs were incompatible with the surrounding single-family area.
The Edmond Planning Commission voted against a motion to approve a rezoning request from single-family to a planned unit development for about 2 acres at Covell and Bryant, a decision the chair recorded as a failed motion during the April 7 meeting.
Staff presented the application proposing up to 16 residential units (combinations of duplexes and five-plex buildings) with internal private streets and a right-in/right-out access configuration on Covell. Applicant representative Greg Massey said the rezoning follows a recent comprehensive plan amendment and that the PUD would be subject to site-plan and engineering review.
Neighbors — dozens spoke — said the proposal is out of scale with the area’s large-lot, rural-urban character, questioned the adequacy of an 80-foot right-of-way (some residents said the city previously cited 100 feet), and raised repeated concerns about sight distance on hilly approaches, stormwater capacity and insufficient outreach. John Hawk, who lives near the site, said the proposed easement widths and location were small for a high-traffic intersection and called the project “inconsistent by orders of magnitude with the surrounding area.”
The applicant said the 80-foot easement along Covell represents an existing city acquisition and that additional easements and engineering work would be dedicated at platting; he reiterated that traffic and stormwater details will be addressed at site-plan and plat stages. Owner Barry Hutchison said he lives nearby and is open to further neighborhood engagement.
After public comment and applicant responses, a motion to approve the rezoning failed at the Planning Commission; the application will proceed to City Council for consideration on the council’s next agenda. Commissioners and staff noted that many outstanding engineering and compatibility matters would be evaluated at later stages if the rezoning or subsequent plat moves forward.
