Forest Park board approves conceptual design for two duplexes at 0 Stillwood Court

The Forest Park Urban Design Review Board voted unanimously Friday to grant conceptual design approval for two duplex buildings that would create four residential units at 0 Stillwood Court, after staff recommended the project.

Savannah, a city planning staff member, told the board the applicant, Jesus Gonzales, submitted two architectural options in a modern-contemporary farmhouse style and that the 0.44-acre parcel (Parcel ID 130468016) is zoned RT (two-family residential district), which permits the development by right. "Based off of the information provided to staff, staff recommends the Urban Design Review Board to approve the proposed project," she said.

The packet presented to the board included a site plan, survey, renderings, and material and color examples. Staff described both options as sharing a consistent materials palette — horizontal lap siding in light neutrals with darker trim, front-facing garages, gable roof forms and charcoal architectural asphalt shingles — and said site constraints, including an existing sewer line, influenced building placement. The applicant had sought and received a Planning Commission variance the previous day to reduce the front and rear setbacks necessary for the layout.

Board members asked whether they were required to select a single architectural option. Savannah said the applicant could be granted conceptual approval for both options because the materials and color palette would remain the same and the developer wanted flexibility when later applying for permits. Several board members voiced personal preferences for one design or the other, but none opposed approving both options to allow the applicant to choose during permitting.

A motion to approve both design options passed by voice vote with no opposition. The board did not record roll-call vote tallies on the motion; the earlier roll call established that Rodney Givens, Ron Dotson, Dianne Hassan and Carol Clayton were present for the meeting.

The applicant will follow up with staff during the permit application process to confirm the final option and provide required permit documentation. The board then moved to adjourn.

Votes at a glance:
- Adopt agenda: passed by voice vote (unanimous).
- Approve March 20 meeting minutes with correction to Carol Clayton's name: passed by voice vote (unanimous).
- Approve conceptual design for two duplex buildings (both options): passed by voice vote (unanimous).
- Adjourn meeting: passed by voice vote (unanimous).