Council delays vote on contentious 34‑unit Pacific Street project after neighborhood opposition

The City Council voted to lay over consideration of a proposed five‑story, 34‑unit development at 7630 Pacific Street after multiple neighbors raised concerns about scale, parking and traffic. The motion to postpone the public hearing and vote for one week passed 6–0.

Residents voiced objections at the microphone: Connie Wentz said notice to nearby homes was insufficient and called a five‑story building on a half‑acre lot “tricky and dangerous” for traffic and deliveries. Louie Dirks and Mary Dirks echoed concerns about parking capacity, access and the number of variances required. Council members and staff discussed process options; the City Law Department advised that the public hearing could remain open while the council lays the vote over to a later date but those who testified today would not automatically get another speaking slot unless called by a council member. Council Member Melton moved to lay the items over to allow more neighborhood engagement; the motion passed unanimously.

What’s next: The project will return to council after one week’s layover with the public hearing still open; neighbors may return to speak at the later date if they did not testify today, and the council directed staff and the developer to continue neighborhood outreach prior to a vote.