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Neighbors win temporary reprieve as council tables rezoning near Washington Middle amid flood and notice concerns
Summary
Residents near Washington Middle School persuaded the council to table a proposed zoning change that would have allowed multi‑family development. Speakers cited insufficient notice, creekside flooding and erosion risks, and privacy concerns; council voted to table the item for further review.
A rezoning request to convert a small parcel near Washington Middle School from single‑family to multifamily (R‑2) was tabled Wednesday after residents delivered extensive testimony about notice, flooding and safety.
Neighbors said the mailed notice to property owners covered only the statutory 300‑foot radius and did not reach many stakeholders who said the project would affect a larger area. Several speakers described creekbank erosion and flood risk on the buildable portion of a parcel that they said has a sizeable unbuildable flood plain. One resident said the developer’s packet contained concept images showing a dense 72‑unit plan and expressed alarm at building four‑story units adjacent to a school yard.
The developer’s representative said the site historically held institutional uses and presented a conceptual site plan that included storm‑water detention and street improvements; the developer also said the existing service station on a nearby block was expected to relocate.
After a planning‑and‑zoning hearing in which the commission had recommended approval, councilmembers noted the strength of community opposition and the technical concerns raised about drainage and parcel size. Councilmember 29 moved to table the item to allow staff and the applicant to address access, hydrology and neighborhood notice; the motion passed.
