Council approves 132‑unit Dove Street townhome project with seven very‑low‑income units and fee concessions

The council voted to approve a 132‑unit for‑sale townhome project at 1300 Dove Street in the airport area, including seven very‑low‑income units (about 5% of units), a development agreement with a roughly $3 million public‑benefit fee, and a negotiated reduction of the statutory park fee per unit under the state density bonus rules.

Planning staff described the project as demolition of existing office buildings and construction of multifamily townhomes with a public open space and 7 below‑market units to meet very‑low‑income set‑asides. An applicant representative said the team spent over a year coordinating with staff to meet the city’s objective design standards. Opponents and some commenters urged caution over a reduced park‑fee calculation and asked staff to verify the project’s eligibility under recent state density bonus changes; Jim Mosher argued staff should confirm whether the project qualifies for the claimed fee reductions under current state law.

Council member discussion noted the project’s contribution to the city’s housing goals in the airport area and that previously approved projects have committed park‑funds and future parks. The council approved the project by a 6–0 vote (Council member Stapleton recused) and asked staff to ensure the development agreement’s affordability and fee terms are implemented as negotiated.