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Commission backs forwarding of 49-unit senior housing plan after residents raise density, safety concerns
Summary
The commission forwarded the master-plan amendment for a 49-unit senior apartment project at Carey & MLK to city council and recommended approval of the related rezoning after debate; neighbors raised concerns about congestion, existing nearby developments and timing while the applicant emphasized senior-focused amenities and no liquor/ smoke-shop uses on-site.
The Planning Commission on Nov. 12 advanced a proposed 49-unit senior housing project and its related rezoning to the city council after a lengthy public hearing in which nearby residents voiced opposition.
Applicant Alex Gonzales said the project on two parcels at Carey Avenue west of Martin Luther King Boulevard would construct 49 units for residents 55 and older with about 3,000 square feet of accessory commercial space intended for small shops and services. “We're proposing a 49 unit senior residential complex with approximately 3,000 square feet of public commercial space,” Gonzales said on the record.
Residents who said they have lived in the neighborhood for decades said the area is already dense and that additional apartments would exacerbate congestion and public-safety concerns. Mabel Gray and Gertrude Perkins, who live on nearby Pontiac Avenue, opposed the project citing crowding and recent apartment additions nearby. Johnny Cleveland and Andre Batiste said they opposed changing the land-use designation from mixed-use neighborhood to commercial and worried the proposed density was too high for the immediate area.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about parking, amenities, transit access and building heights. The applicant said the design is primarily three-story and two-story buildings (three-story elements limited by FAA/airport requirements), would include gated covered parking and a covered RTC bus stop, provide a rec room and community garden, and would not permit liquor stores or smoke shops in the commercial component: “with mini marts comes alcohol sales, and that's something I don't want on my property at all,” Gonzales said.
The commission voted to forward the amendment (Item 5) to city council with a recommendation for approval and later recommended approval of the companion zoning map change (Item 6) after an initial motion to deny failed. Deputy city counsel confirmed the commission had the supermajority required earlier in the hearing for AMP items.
