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Commissioners push 'flex housing' language to allow clustered and senior housing on large parcels
Summary
After reviewing the draft master plan, the commission asked staff to replace 'mixed-use commercial' language for the large open parcel with 'flex housing' language that would allow cluster development, smaller lots and senior housing as conditional future zone changes.
Commissioners told staff to include flexible residential language for the large Bangor field parcel rather than a commercial overlay, arguing that a 'flex housing' designation will let developers pursue clustered PRD-style subdivisions, starter homes, or senior housing while preserving open-space character and view corridors. Commissioner John McKay and several colleagues repeatedly described the field as better suited to clustered residential options than standalone retail that would not support a meaningful tax base.
Staff said consultant proposals had frequently paired small retail with clustered residential, but commissioners emphasized public input favoring preservation and limited commercial intrusion. "We're not considering commercial in that quadrant," one commissioner said; instead, they asked staff to strike references to local-serving retail where inconsistent with the commission’s recommendations.
