Trenton commission approves Trenton Square final development plans after questions on private streets and HOA risks

The Trenton Planning Commission voted unanimously July 1 to accept final development plans for the single‑family, townhome and duplex sections of the Trenton Square planned unit development, clearing the project to proceed to final recording and construction preparations.

Staff told the commission this review is Step 2 in the PUD process and is not a re‑consideration of the previously approved general plan (approved earlier, per staff). Staff reported that dwelling types, approved unit counts and the overall development pattern remain substantially consistent with the general plan; changes were described as technical engineering refinements, such as slight shifts in open space accounting when stormwater basins were separated out. Staff concluded the plans do not represent a "major change" under the PUD rules (citing Section 12‑68) and recommended approval of the final plans so the applicant may proceed to final recording.

Commissioners focused questions on whether sections of the project would be public or private streets. Staff clarified that the single‑family and townhome sections are proposed as public streets the city would accept and maintain, while the duplex section will remain private and be owned and maintained by the homeowners association (HOA). Staff and commissioners discussed enforcement implications: police would not issue parking violations on truly private streets absent an agreement with the HOA, and private streets can present long‑term issues if an HOA disbands. One commissioner recalled a past case where an HOA disbanded and the street was later bought at a sheriff's sale, which led to prolonged city involvement and an eminent‑domain action.

The commission also discussed fire‑department review and engineering changes. Staff said the initial submittal required wider right‑of‑way for emergency access; plans were revised to balance road width and pedestrian access, and staff noted use of a modular curb system to separate walkways and roadways while meeting emergency access needs.

Motions to accept the final development plans were recorded separately for each residential section. The single‑family Section 1 motion was made by Mister Malo and seconded by Mister Bishop and passed 4–0. The townhome Section 1 motion was made by Mister Mello and seconded by Mister Bishop and passed 4–0. The duplex Section 1 motion was made by Mister Mello, seconded by Mister Bishop, and passed 4–0; staff reiterated that duplex streets will remain private as previously approved. Commissioners agreed that the commission’s role at this stage is technical confirmation of consistency with the general plan rather than re‑opening major policy decisions.

The commission set the next meeting for July 13, 2026, and adjourned at 6:44 PM.