Regulations committee backs rezoning of Lawn Avenue lots to allow six attached homes, 7-2 vote

The Regulations Committee on March 17 recommended approval of a rezoning that would allow redevelopment of three platted but undeveloped lots on Lawn Avenue into six attached single-family dwellings.

Michelle Wood of the Department of Planning Services summarized the request (Z260127) to rezone roughly 0.3 acres at the 2500 block of Lawn Avenue from R-1 to R-3 to permit the proposed development. She said the area is within the city’s primary priority investment area and that the request supports infill housing and a diversity of housing types.

Developer Justin told council he has an active purchase agreement for the turnaround lot that had been cited in a petition of opposition and that he has coordinated utility-main and roadway design work with city departments. Justin said the project is planned as rental housing and that "two of the six units [are] pledged to be affordable at 80% of area median income." Justin also said the development would include 12 off-street parking spaces (two per unit) and that the road and utilities work are part of the project budget.

Several neighbors spoke at public comment opposing the rezoning, and council members questioned outreach and design details. Council members expressed a range of views; one member said they would vote no because of neighborhood character concerns. After debate, the committee voted 7 in favor and 2 opposed on the do-pass motion.

The recommendation now moves to the full council for final consideration. The transcript shows the committee vote but does not record a final ordinance reading or further conditions from the committee.