Compatibility was the main concern around the proposed development known as Bohn Farm at the Longmont Planning and Zoning Commission meeting last week.
The nearly six-hour-long meeting on June 21 focused on a concept plan amendment for the property at 1313 Spruce Avenue, which proposed approximately 70 residential units for a gross density of just under 12 units per acre.
With the planning commission leaning toward a recommendation against the proposed amendment, the hearing was tabled to the commission’s October meeting.
The Bohn Farm property was annexed in Longmont in 2005 and is currently undeveloped except for the original farmhouse. A rezoning process for a co-housing project at Bohn Farm began in 2016, which was never completed.
After the plan was abandoned, the zoning for the area went back to residential mixed neighborhood, consistent with the 2018 Envision Longmont plan. That zoning allows between six and 18 units per acre.
City staff recommended commission approval with conditions, though they noted their concerns with how the buildings were massed on the property. Planning commissioners raised their own concerns about the density and compatibility of the proposal compared to surrounding areas, which averages around eight units per acre.
Neighbors have voiced several concerns with the city and developer, mainly centering around density, traffic, parking and compatibility with the community. Staff said that traffic would be similar to the cohousing plan that had been previously approved by the commission and that the developer plans to meet off site parking requirements. As for compatibility, the question is largely subjective.
Applicant Mark Young outlined the work he had done with neighbors to hear and address their concerns. He emphasized that the current zoning permits much higher density and asked the commission to view the proposal with an eye toward the future.
By tabling the amendment, the planning commission expressed their hopes that the plan design could be adjusted to be more compatible with the area. The October meeting will reopen the public hearing before the commission decides on their recommendation.
Regardless of if the planning commission approves or disapproves of the concept plan amendment, it would go to city council with the recommendation or lack thereof for the final vote.
