An infill neighborhood plan for a property at 1120 W. Lake Drive met resistance from neighbors during a public hearing at the Thursday, Oct. 24, City Council meeting.
Residents who commented at the session said they worried about the types of housing that might be built on the property once the five individual lots are sold.
They also aired concerns about potential parking issues.
April Young said she did not want the lots to go to builders who might construct multifamily units on the property.
“There’s nothing that says, ‘Does it look and feel like the community that they’re going to build in?’” Young said. “Are we just staying true to infill? Because infill is not affordable housing.”
Eric Moehnke, another West Lake Drive resident, said he was concerned there would not be enough parking for the five homes allocated to the property, as the two lots on West Lake Drive would be sharing a driveway.
“One driveway … in the heart of Taylor … will create a big problem,” Moehnke said.
After the residents spoke, council members asked the property’s owner, Jonathan Downs with Smart Nest LLC, to address some of the concerns.
Downs said the 1.1240-acre lot would be used for five singlefamily residences.
He also requested the property be rezoned to a P3 designation, which would “provide housing that would be like the existing housing” consistent with the surrounding neighborhood, according to city documents.
Councilwoman Shelli Cobb asked Downs about the plans for the homes that would be built on the lots.
There will be no duplexes or other multifamily units, Downs said.
In addition to a shared driveway as well as attached garages for two dwellings on West Lake Drive, the three on Fisher Street would have singular driveways for each residence, which will provide ample parking space without contributing to street congestion, Downs said.
Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Czmerk asked Downs if he would be the builder.
Downs said he is selling the lots and would have no control over what buyers choose to build there.
Development Services Director Scott Dunlop, however, noted building permits “require a certain compatibility with the neighborhoods.”
“Thank you for investing in the community and for addressing the fears of the neighbors,” Councilman Gerald Anderson said to Downs.
According to city documents, infill housing on vacant land can increase the city’s tax base.
The council is expected to consider approval of the ordinance at a meeting Nov. 14.
Regular sessions are 6 p.m. the second and third Thursdays of the month at City Hall, 400 Porter St.
