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Commission gives design feedback to local developer on West Washington infill, urges alternatives to reduce impervious coverage
Summary
A small‑scale infill proposal for three attached houses at 328–332 West Washington drew detailed design feedback about orientation, parking configuration and building coverage; commissioners urged the developer to return with alternative options that might add green space or reconfigure parking.
Developer Scott (S12) presented a concept to replace an existing duplex with three attached houses at 328–332 West Washington, showing aerial images, layout options and potential courtyard/parking treatments. Commissioners provided detailed feedback on massing, frontage rhythm and impervious coverage and urged the applicant to return with multiple design options.
Why it matters: Small infill projects are increasingly visible in the borough; commissioners emphasized design that responds to the block’s existing rhythm and to building‑coverage limits that constrain layout options.
Commissioners questioned whether a fourth, smaller unit could be added without exceeding impervious coverage or whether reorienting units to concentrate parking in a rear courtyard would better preserve street frontage and green space. One commissioner recommended exploring detailed precedent images and alternate orientations to retain 18–20‑foot front building rhythms common in the borough.
The developer said he preferred to avoid zoning relief if possible but acknowledged building‑coverage constraints and agreed to work with staff and architects to bring alternatives to the next work session. Commissioners welcomed the proposal’s attention to front‑door orientation and suggested options to make units more attainable in size and price.
Next step: Applicant to refine options addressing coverage and parking and return to a future working session for further review.
