Planning commission reviews proposed zoning map changes; staff flags city-owned parcel as candidate for affordable housing study

The Newcastle Planning Commission reviewed proposed updates to the zoning map July 22, considering potential rezones in several neighborhoods and identifying a city-owned parcel as a candidate for further study for affordable or workforce housing.

Planning Director Erin Fitzgibbons presented the map changes and staff recommendations. Key items discussed included retaining R-12 zoning for a steep parcel near Coal Creek Parkway (staff cited historic aerials showing prior structures and potential access), considering rezoning small clusters near May Valley Road and Dashwood at May Creek to R-4 or R-6 for consistency with surrounding development, and addressing a Highland neighborhood request to match zoning to existing house patterns.

Commissioners asked staff to contact neighborhood HOA leadership (Highlands) and property owners where staff had not yet received responses. Staff said two property owners contacted about May Valley parcels had either declined or requested more information, and recommended not proceeding on rezones without demonstrated property-owner interest. For one city-owned parcel near Lake Warren and Bridal Creek, staff noted existing utilities and trail access and recommended a feasibility study and outreach; Commissioners suggested exploring Habitat for Humanity or Arch (affordable-housing consultant) involvement and directed staff to pursue preliminary feasibility and cost information with city council coordination as needed.

Other items discussed: consistency of zoning across the Alterra subdivision (staff neutral; critical-area tracks constrain buildable areas), the status of a locally notable commercial parcel (Porter Jensen Jewelry) where staff will attempt further contact before recommending any change, and clarifying a desire to rename some open-space zoning categories (staff suggested “City Open Space” for municipal parcels and leaving “Limited Open Space” for private/open areas).

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to continue outreach, attempt additional contact with property owners and HOA leadership, and prepare a public hearing on the zoning map at the August meeting if a quorum is available. Staff said a zoning-map hearing could be scheduled for August and that final ordinance language would be prepared before any adoption action.