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Commission explores smaller‑unit and senior housing options for Gay Street parcel
Summary
Planning commissioners and the applicant discussed two conceptual layouts for a Gay Street parcel: a four‑unit courtyard scheme and a three‑unit option that preserves some on‑street parking. The session emphasized attainability, parking tradeoffs, impervious coverage and possible code changes affecting building coverage metrics.
Commissioners and applicants used the meeting to explore alternatives intended to increase attainable and senior‑oriented housing on a Gay Street/West Washington site. The design team presented two sketches: one with four narrow alley‑front units, internal courtyard and five off‑street spaces (which would remove some on‑street parking), and another with three units that retains two existing on‑street parking spots and an inner courtyard.
Discussion focused on how to balance unit count, building coverage limits (the commission noted a 35% building coverage benchmark in the code), impervious area and stormwater management. Commissioners suggested smaller unit footprints, varied building offsets to avoid a 'blocky' look, and potential use of permeable pavers or resin‑stabilized gravel to reduce runoff. One commissioner framed the larger policy question: could building‑coverage metrics be recalibrated (for example, measuring by units on a lot rather than strict lot coverage) to encourage smaller, attainable housing while controlling impervious surface and preserving neighborhood character.
No formal action was taken, but the commission encouraged the applicant to refine plans, run coverage and parking math, and explore senior‑oriented single‑story options that could be ADA‑accessible and more attainable; staff noted nonconformities on the lot may allow some flexibility and said they would advise on potential grandfathering paths.
