Five years after the city reworked its zoning codes to encourage development, commissioners are admitting they didn’t go far enough. There are no major projects on any of the targeted areas known as transit-oriented corridors or TOCs.
During their meeting on Nov. 25, they recapped a recent development summit and addressed contractor concerns. The comments represent seismic shifts from even just a few months ago.
Size Matters
Recently, they suggested that all new apartments/condos must be at least 600 square feet. At the most recent meeting, they entertained lowering the floor to 400 square feet. Doing so would solve several problems and help satisfy developers. Smaller units allow more apartments/condos in a building.
Developers generally need about 200 units to turn a meaningful profit. Smaller spaces also, theoretically, lower prices which would be optimal work force housing for younger, single people. They also discussed raising height and density limits.
Right now, development is capped at eight stories, and that comes with several hoops to jump through. Commissioner Paul Rolli has already expressed his openness to raising height constraints.
They are also looking at onerous parking requirements and density restrictions. They cannot change the latter unilaterally. The discussion was to give guidance from city staff. Nothing was formally proposed or voted on.
Cruiser Control
After a tough budgetary year that saw some projects and purchases pushed off, the city is catching up. They approved buying six new police cruisers for WMPD. Chief Gary Blocker reflected on how much cruisers have changed over the course of his career.
“Bigger vehicles. I put myself in one of those sedans, and you’d be amazed at how small they’ve gotten since the old Crown Vics when I first started. These officers have a lot of equipment, they need a lot of room. We add equipment on an annual basis.”
The vehicles being replaced are 8 to 11 years old. The normal lifespan for a police vehicle is eight years. The city has also budgeted for two unmarked vehicles that will likely be purchased in 2026.
