New Mixed-Use Development Approved After Developer Removes Everything That Made It Mixed-Use

A proposed mixed-use development in the Northside district was finally approved by the planning commission Tuesday after the developer progressively removed every mixed-use element in response to community feedback, resulting in what critics are calling 'a regular building with good marketing.' The project, originally designed as a seven-story structure with ground-floor retail, a childcare facility, a public plaza, rooftop community gardens, and 120 residential units, was presented to the community in January. By the time it received approval eleven months and nine public hearings later, it had been reduced to a five-story residential building with 80 units, no retail, no childcare, no plaza, no garden, and a lobby that the developer insists 'counts as a community amenity.' 'The community told us they wanted mixed-use development,' said developer Grace Parcel. 'Then the community told us they didn't want retail because of delivery trucks. Then they didn't want daycare because of drop-off traffic. Then the plaza was "a loitering magnet." Then the garden was "a maintenance liability." We removed everything they objected to, which was everything.' Planning commissioner Victor Footprint voted to approve the diminished project with visible resignation. 'What we have here is a housing-only building on a site zoned for mixed-use, in a neighborhood that has been requesting mixed-use development for a decade,' he said. 'We have achieved the opposite of our own comprehensive plan. But at least no one is yelling at us anymore.' The lobby will feature a potted fiddle-leaf fig, which the developer has designated as 'the green space component' in planning documents. The community group that organized the opposition has since issued a statement expressing disappointment that 'the Northside still lacks walkable retail and community amenities.'