Council approves several variances, sets material and design conditions for proposed developments

Council considered a slate of variance and waiver requests for multiple properties and made a mix of approvals, denials and deferrals. For 2800 Northeast Expressway the council approved a single variance with conditions including substantial conformity with the site plan dated 01/02/2026 and limiting the site to two dumpsters. For 1700 Century Circle council approved a request to allow wall signage on more than two facades.

For several Hardy Avenue addresses the council deferred two variance requests to the April meeting. Separately, council reviewed a larger development package (addresses including 3380 and 3384 Hardy and 1974/1982 4th Street) and moved to partially approve variances and waivers while denying others. The motion specifically limited one variance to reduce a 60% balcony requirement to 30% and another variance to reduce exterior brick or stone coverage from 60% to 45%, and required construction to substantially conform with the site plan dated 01/22/2026 and revised elevations. A councilmember emphasized the project was not Section 8 housing and said it was intended as affordable housing for police, teachers and firefighters.

All votes on the items recorded at the meeting were unanimous unless otherwise noted.