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Aberdeen approves amendments to Aberdeen Station planned development with conditions and density cap
Summary
The board approved amendments to the Aberdeen Station planned development (CZ‑2201), allowing adjusted building placements, modestly higher residential density and a requested increase in multifamily height with conditions including a density cap of 11.5 dwelling units per acre, shared‑parking agreements, and preservation of school buildings.
The Aberdeen Board of Commissioners voted Oct. 28 to approve amendments to the previously approved Aberdeen Station planned development, allowing the applicant to change building locations, shift multifamily units to the rear of the site, and modify the overall mix of housing with conditions intended to protect nearby neighborhoods.
The applicant presented a revised conceptual plan that retains the historic school buildings for adaptive reuse (retail, office, co‑work and rooftop amenities) while consolidating new residential development elsewhere on the property. The revised plan adds about 15 residential units compared with the 2022 approval and requests a maximum building height of up to 65 feet for some multifamily buildings.
Staff recommended conditions to manage impacts, including a cap on residential density at 11.5 dwelling units per acre, a requirement to record covenants and a shared‑parking agreement guaranteeing the town access to a block of spaces to serve civic uses, and limits on demolitions of existing buildings.
Applicant representatives said the changes reduce demolition, preserve civic assets and concentrate higher‑intensity uses where they better fit the topography and existing commercial context. An applicant video presentation emphasized repurposing the school buildings and adding green space.
Nearby residents expressed concern about traffic, parking during events at the auditorium/gymnasium, emergency access, and potential visual impacts of four‑story buildings. The applicant and staff said those issues are addressed in the proposed conditions and will be further examined during detailed site and engineering review.
The board found the amendments consistent with the comprehensive plan and adopted the recommended conditions; motions carried on voice votes. Staff said the approval will be followed by technical review, building permits and final site engineering, and noted that private streets proposed in the plan must meet town construction standards and that agreements will be required before the town accepts any dedications.
The decision preserves the town’s ownership/protection interest in the two civic buildings (auditorium and gym) and requires the applicant to provide shared parking and legal instruments ensuring continued public access and maintenance arrangements.
