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Developers seek informal approval for five additional townhomes at 301 N. Railroad; commission offers supportive feedback
Summary
Engine House LLC presented an informal concept to add five townhomes to an existing six‑unit rental property at 301 North Railroad Avenue; applicants said they can meet parking and open‑space requirements, aim to keep units affordable using incentives, and expect to pursue conditional‑use review if they move forward.
At an informal concept review July 15, Engine House LLC representatives asked the Georgetown Planning Commission for feedback on a proposal to add five townhomes to an existing six‑unit rental site at 301 North Railroad Avenue, bringing the total to 11 units.
Doug Liberman of Larson Engineering said the 0.57‑acre site can accommodate the required parking (22 required; 24 proposed) and the necessary open space (he said the plan provides about 1,830 sq ft versus the required 1,242 sq ft). Cameron Llewellyn of Tidemark Construction described efforts to match downtown architectural character and noted the developer will renovate the existing six units after the new units are built to minimize displacement.
On affordability, Llewellyn said exact rents are not set and will depend on debt service and available incentives — the site is in a Downtown Development District that can return 20% and may allow partial impact‑fee waivers that could support lower rents. Commissioners noted the residential element may require a conditional‑use application because the zoning (UB1) does not permit the full residential program by right; staff advised the conditional‑use route would include a planning‑commission recommendation to town council.
Commissioners gave informal positive feedback (“I love it,” “Yes”) but took no formal vote; applicants said they sought the commission’s informal support before investing in final engineering.
