Commission defers rezoning request for 6540 Manor Lane after neighbors press for binding site plan

On first reading of an ordinance to rezone 6540 Manor Lane from Duplex Residential (RT6) to Townhouse Residential (RT18), staff and the applicant outlined a conceptual plan that would increase allowable density from 6 dwelling units per acre to 18 DU/acre and potentially allow up to six townhome units on the 0.38‑acre site.

Planner Craig Pinder told the commission the application meets comprehensive‑plan criteria for introducing another housing type at the transition between an office/commercial area and single‑family neighborhoods. "The density will increase from 6 dwelling units per acre to 18 dwelling units per acre," Pinder said during the presentation. The applicant’s conceptual plan showed six units, 12 on‑site parking spaces and a maximum roof height conceptually below the RT‑18 limit; the planning board had recommended clarifying on‑site parking.

Neighbors raised detailed objections about traffic, sightlines, the loss of mature trees, canopy preservation and safety on the corner; several speakers urged limiting height and the total number of units. The applicant said it would proffer a covenant limiting the homes to two stories and to provide two on‑site parking spaces per unit, and agreed to remove on‑street parking from the plan as part of negotiations.

Given outstanding concerns about circulation, canopy, and the absence of a binding site plan, Mayor Javier Fernandez moved to defer action to the May 6 meeting to allow the development team to return with a proffered covenant, a binding development concept or an updated site plan. The motion to defer carried unanimously.