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Over the objections of neighbors who criticized the scope of the project, the Nevada City Planning Commission unanimously approved a 16-unit housing development that could provide more low-income housing opportunities.
The Gracie Commons project now moves to the City Council for approval on Dec. 10.
Neighbors living adjacent to and across the street from the project objected to increased traffic and the possibility of lowered property values if the project, which is on Gracie Road and occupies one acre each of county and city land, was approved. The city must annex the county parcel for the project to proceed.
The project comprises 16 units in 12 buildings on 2.12 acres. It includes 10 three-bedroom homes and six condominiums. The homes would be outfitted to be senior-friendly, with master bedrooms on the main floor and wider doorways.
Susan Mahaffey, who lives next to the proposed project, said she believed the project was a good one — just not right for the quiet neighborhood she lives in.
“In my view, it’s an attractive project,” she said, “but it’s just too much.”
Mahaffey suggested that a proposed duplex and additional four-plex be removed to reduce the scope of the project.
Owner and developer Glenn Christ’s project includes 10 single-family three-bedroom units and six condominiums. Three of the homes have a second unit above the garage, and two of the homes would be under 1,500 square feet, to qualify as low-income housing under the city’s guidelines.
Resident Keith Andre, who lives directly across the street from the project, said increased traffic would produce potential safety hazards for the neighborhood.
“I respect (a person’s) right to do what they want with their property, but when it (adversely) affects people’s neighborhoods, you have to be concerned,” Andre said.
Every speaker who approached the commission on Thursday opposed the project.
Commissioners praised the project as a well-designed development, and urged residents to find common ground and realize Nevada City needs more opportunities for low-income residents.
“I’m very sympathetic to the people who are opposed to this project, but you can’t stick to old paradigms,” said commissioner Dix Sullivan.
Christ has worked for several years to allay the concerns of residents who fear the scope of the project, he said.
“It’s been a long process, but I think we’ve concluded it well,” he added.
To contact Staff Writer David Mirhadi, e-mail dmirhadi@theunion.com or call 477-4239.
The Gracie Commons project now moves to the City Council for approval on Dec. 10.
Neighbors living adjacent to and across the street from the project objected to increased traffic and the possibility of lowered property values if the project, which is on Gracie Road and occupies one acre each of county and city land, was approved. The city must annex the county parcel for the project to proceed.
The project comprises 16 units in 12 buildings on 2.12 acres. It includes 10 three-bedroom homes and six condominiums. The homes would be outfitted to be senior-friendly, with master bedrooms on the main floor and wider doorways.
Susan Mahaffey, who lives next to the proposed project, said she believed the project was a good one — just not right for the quiet neighborhood she lives in.
“In my view, it’s an attractive project,” she said, “but it’s just too much.”
Mahaffey suggested that a proposed duplex and additional four-plex be removed to reduce the scope of the project.
Owner and developer Glenn Christ’s project includes 10 single-family three-bedroom units and six condominiums. Three of the homes have a second unit above the garage, and two of the homes would be under 1,500 square feet, to qualify as low-income housing under the city’s guidelines.
Resident Keith Andre, who lives directly across the street from the project, said increased traffic would produce potential safety hazards for the neighborhood.
“I respect (a person’s) right to do what they want with their property, but when it (adversely) affects people’s neighborhoods, you have to be concerned,” Andre said.
Every speaker who approached the commission on Thursday opposed the project.
Commissioners praised the project as a well-designed development, and urged residents to find common ground and realize Nevada City needs more opportunities for low-income residents.
“I’m very sympathetic to the people who are opposed to this project, but you can’t stick to old paradigms,” said commissioner Dix Sullivan.
Christ has worked for several years to allay the concerns of residents who fear the scope of the project, he said.
“It’s been a long process, but I think we’ve concluded it well,” he added.
To contact Staff Writer David Mirhadi, e-mail dmirhadi@theunion.com or call 477-4239.
