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Commission reviews sketch alternatives for 339 Westgate: 6‑unit cluster and senior housing models discussed
Summary
Commissioners evaluated three sketch concepts for 339 Westgate, including a traditional townhouse option, a compact six‑unit cluster with interior courtyard and a seniors/attainable cottage model; members praised the courtyard concept but flagged parking, setbacks and zoning constraints.
Near the end of the July 6 work session the commission considered a separate sketch plan for 339 Westgate presented by a developer representative. The applicant outlined three concepts: a standard paired‑townhouse subdivision, a cluster of six modest units arranged around an interior courtyard (one car per unit off the alley), and a low‑rise senior/attainable housing model.
Commission response Members said they liked the courtyard and attainable housing ideas because they create interior community space and a range of smaller, potentially more affordable units. But commissioners repeatedly flagged practical constraints: existing setbacks, required sideyard distances under the town‑center zoning, alley access for parking, and the need to reconcile coverage and parking requirements with achievable unit counts.
Next steps Commissioners invited the applicant to return with clearer sketches showing parking access off the alley and potential layout changes to satisfy sideyard/setback requirements. Staff and commissioners suggested the applicant could be placed earlier on a future agenda so members have more time to review alternative massing options.
Why it matters If pursued, the 6‑unit cluster or senior‑focused concept could add modest, potentially attainable housing stock in the borough center while raising typical planning tradeoffs: density versus parking, setbacks and neighborhood context.
