Neighbors urge Milwaukie planners to reassess proposed triplex at Southeast 35th Avenue

Several neighbors told the Milwaukie Planning Commission during public comment that a proposed triplex at 11924 Southeast 35th Avenue would be out of scale with the lot, create parking and safety problems, and remove significant vegetation.

Teresa Briscoe, a Lake Road neighborhood land-use member, said the parcel is very narrow (she cited figures of about 4,200–4,250 square feet and roughly 37 feet wide) and described a plan that would extend a driveway the full length of the property with a three-car turnaround in the rear. She said the neighborhood originally expected a duplex and that squeezing a triplex onto the lot would require cutting trees and shrubs and counting green strips between tires as permeability — an approach she called impractical. (In her remarks she used the name "Milwaukee" when referring to the city; the correct city spelling is Milwaukie.)

Kristy Nelson, an adjacent property owner at 11929 Southeast 36th Avenue whose backyard abuts the subject lot, asked the city to re-examine whether a duplex would better fit the site and said the change from a duplex to a triplex has cascading effects on compliance with ordinances and codes. Nelson referenced Oregon Senate Bill 1537, noting state infill policy requirements, but told the commission the city still must ensure all applicable laws and codes are followed.

Both speakers said the applicant withdrew a variance application related to the triplex but indicated they believe the landowner still intends to build a triplex. Neighbors asked the planning commission and staff to review the paperwork and to consider compatibility with the neighborhood in addition to strict code compliance.