Council approves reduced open‑space fee for University Suites expansion after debate

City council voted Jan. 20 to accept staff’s recommendation for a reduced open‑space fee‑in‑lieu tied to a 24‑unit expansion of University Suites on Technology Boulevard.

Planning staff told council the open‑space ordinance requires 1,000 square feet of open space per unit; using the ordinance’s formula the full fee in lieu for the expansion would be $223,800. The applicant asked that a contracted purchase price be accepted in the appraisal used to calculate the fee; planning commission reviewed the request on Jan. 8 but was unable to reach a majority recommendation (two 3‑3 votes failed), so no single planning‑commission recommendation was forwarded.

Staff described the project as a small infill expansion with private amenities across the street (pool, amenity center, dog park) and argued the standard formula—which assumes a standalone development—overstates the demand this project places on city parks. The applicant, David Schwert, was present for council discussion.

Councilors debated whether the original University Suites should be grandfathered from new requirements and whether the open‑space fee is fair to future residents who may not use off‑site parkland. Councilor Goldfinch moved to adopt staff’s recommendation for a reduced fee in lieu; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Transcript figures record the applicant’s requested amount as $52,152.86 and the ordinance‑calculated amount as $223,800. The transcript also records a staff‑recommended reduced fee figure that appears inconsistent in the record; that value is not reported here due to likely transcription error. Staff said fee receipts go into the city’s open‑space fund to acquire or develop parkland or other open‑space uses in the area the council defines.