Development Review Stories

Stories

• Those People!

  almost 6 years ago
  

  It was my first "spicy" development review project - a small affordable housing development next to an established neighborhood. In preparation for the public hearing before the Planning Commission I did everything by the book. I ensured compliance with all code requirements (zoning, density, parking, design guidelines, traffic, views, open space, utilities, etc.) and that the design met or exceeded every requirement. We had received a few comments from the public in opposition, but those comments didn't raise any concerns that would have required design changes to the project. Plus, it just seemed like the neighbors liked having the open... Continue reading

  It was my first "spicy" development review project - a small affordable housing development next to an established neighborhood. In preparation for the public hearing before the Planning Commission I did everything by the book. I ensured compliance with all code requirements (zoning, density, parking, design guidelines, traffic, views, open space, utilities, etc.) and that the design met or exceeded every requirement. We had received a few comments from the public in opposition, but those comments didn't raise any concerns that would have required design changes to the project. Plus, it just seemed like the neighbors liked having the open field next to them, so any development would have been opposed.

  The night of the hearing the Council Chambers were packed. Standing room only and a crowd in the hallway. The Community Development Director assured me everything was fine and told me to proceed with the Planning Commission presentation as normal. 3-hours later the hearing was over and my naivete was shattered. I had never imagined the upstanding and polite members of my community could make such hurtful comments about other human beings - the single mothers, disabled, and lower-income families of our community. I was shocked and saddened, but I walked away with new insight and respect for my role as a city planner. I understood that development review planning is about a lot more than checking the boxes for compliance - any robot can do that. Instead, I needed to find a better way to connect with the community before and throughout the development review process. That's how I got here, at Bang the Table. I found a way that the community can be consulted early and often, where their opinions can be measured and reported, all in a way that uses staff resources efficiently.