Commission asks RA to limit proposed streamline resolution to row homes; will workshop revised draft

The planning office reviewed a draft reuse recommendation resolution prepared by the Ready Development Authority (RA) intended to streamline acquisition and redevelopment of blighted properties. The draft would allow the RA to acquire certain small residential properties and have staff-level review under set criteria rather than requiring every acquisition to appear before the planning commission.

Commissioners welcomed the goal of speeding acquisitions of blighted row homes but debated the breadth of the draft. Several members said the commission should limit any blanket authority to simple single‑family row homes and require multi-unit or industrial properties to come before the commission for a site-specific recommendation. Staff and the RA representative signaled willingness to narrow the resolution’s scope and revise its language to clarify when planning commission review remains required.

Commissioners also discussed technical wording (for example how to treat an "improved" parcel that appears to be a single home but may contain unpermitted interior units) and emphasized that the RA should prefer reverting properties to their original zoning where feasible. The RA representative told the commission the authority would be open to a row-home‑only approach for this streamlined path.

Staff will forward the commission’s comments to the RA solicitor and bring a revised draft to a public workshop next month for additional review before any formal action.