Commission recommends approval of 66‑unit 100% affordable rental housing and density bonus

Melody Archigas, senior planner, presented a plot plan for a proposed 66‑unit affordable rental housing development in the Sixth Street mixed‑use zone. "The plot plan is for a 66 unit affordable rental housing development," Archigas said, and explained the request includes 16 supportive housing units, a requested 50% density bonus (increasing the base density from 44 units by 22 units to a total of 66), and three concessions to development standards including reduced walkway widths, reduced usable open space, and elimination of private storage. Archigas said the project was conditioned to merge two parcels and noted the architecture and landscaping plans included a proposed daycare and a community building with kitchen and office space.

Commissioners questioned the rationale for a reduced parking count; Archigas explained that because the project is proposed as 100% affordable and is within 0.5 mile of a transit stop, the applicant can request a parking reduction under state density bonus provisions and is requesting 92 stalls where 110 would otherwise be required. Commissioners also asked for clarification on the definition of "affordable;" Archigas said units would be restricted to households at or below 80% of area median income. The commission voted to approve the plot plan and forward the density bonus housing agreement to city council.