Staff would have supported additional density if it had been proposed by the applicant, however. The proposed maximum building height of 60 feet is consistent with the surrounding scale of the recently built or approved high density housing mentioned above. Building heights up to 120 feet are allowed within the Downtown Frame, and staff would have supported additional project height if it had been proposed.
Staff believes the proposed height is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.
The uses are modeled after those permitted by right in the C-1 Commercial Zoning District, and are intended to provide support retail and commercial uses, including offices, within a neighborhood transforming into a dense, urban, walkable environment. Jesse Couch of Legacy Partners, the applicant, spoke on behalf of the project. He urged support of the project on the basis it was consistent with the General Plan, Residential Design Guidelines, provided adequate parking, enhanced pedestrian connections within the area, and provided much-needed security to Ryland Park. An owner of property on Bassett Street, south of the railroad tracks, sought clarification of the extent of the proposed rezoning as the location maps included in the hearing notices appeared to indicate property south of the railroad tracks was included. The applicant clarified the rezoning only affected the portion of the site north of the railroad tracks.