Commission backs limited parking variance for proposed 28-unit conversion at 21 W. Broadway

Jordan Ilyes told the commission he proposes converting the building at 21 W. Broadway into 28 apartments—"14 (1) bedrooms, 14 (2) bedrooms and 2 retail units on the 1st floor"—and requested a parking-variance to reduce the number of required off-street spaces. Ilyes said basement parking would cover 31 spaces but that, under the ordinance, the project still needed an additional 26 spaces; he asked for relief to reduce that gap to 15 spaces.

Commissioners and nearby residents debated whether municipal-lot parking should be preserved for general public use. Ian Montgomery urged keeping the municipal lot available for extracurricular and community use; Kristin Cousler-Womack described misuse of parking by others in parts of town. Counsel asked Ilyes to pursue shared leases with adjoining businesses to address dumpster and delivery logistics. The commission voted to recommend approval of the variance with the applicant’s agreement to make a good-faith effort to lease adjoining spaces; the motion was moved by Beth Nidam and seconded by Cindy Barley. "All in favor, motion approved," the minutes record.