The most substantial discussion centered around the River Yard MDA and conceptual development plans, labeled as case number PZA-24-D006. Tim Burman, a staff member, presented the proposed amendments, which included adjustments to the site layout and parking requirements. These changes involved redistributing areas designated for commercial and multifamily uses, reducing the parking ratio for multifamily units from 1.3 spaces per unit to 1.25, and ensuring that public parking remained surface-level or parallel street parking. No parking garages would be used for public spaces under the new plan.

Burman elaborated on the adjustments, clarifying that the acreage for the waterfront park would remain unchanged, while the multifamily housing area would decrease, likely resulting in smaller multifamily structures. He also noted that the amendment allowed for one drive-through service on specific properties, introducing flexibility for future developments that might include multi-tenant buildings. The emphasis was on experiential retail, such as restaurants and entertainment venues, rather than traditional office or bank uses on the ground floor.

During the discussion, Jessica G Co, the applicant representative, acknowledged the commission’s questions and emphasized the intention to retain more one-bedroom apartments, aligning with market trends. She addressed parking concerns, assuring that the new ratio still exceeded the one space per bedroom standard. Co also mentioned a slight increase in park area acreage and clarified that drive-through designs aimed to be unobtrusive.

Members of the commission expressed concerns about parking adequacy, particularly with the shift from garage to surface parking. They underscored the importance of maintaining tenant satisfaction by ensuring sufficient parking availability. One member highlighted experiences from other residential units where inadequate parking led to conflicts and inappropriate parking on private property. The commission noted that studies suggested a parking lot feels full at 80% capacity, causing drivers to overlook available spaces, especially in less convenient areas.

A separate discussion revolved around the inclusion of drive-throughs in redevelopment areas. The proposal now includes two drive-throughs, one at the Art House and another at Dave’s Best Control. A member referenced the approval of a drive-through at Catfish Commons, which had spurred redevelopment in that area, as a justification for the change. Concerns were raised about maintaining the area’s aesthetic while accommodating functional drive-throughs, with references made to evolving code requirements designed to balance these needs.

Further focus was placed on the implications of removing public parking spaces from garages to surface lots. Discussions emphasized the need for better access and control for residents, avoiding conflicts between tenants and visitors. A participant noted that tenant frustration could arise if parking became scarce.

In another significant matter, the commission considered a First Amendment to the Anglers Cove planned unit development MDA. This proposal involved a screen enclosure built atop ten-foot walls around a pool on residential property. The enclosure had been approved by a private provider without proper inspection, leading to discrepancies between approved plans and actual construction. The commission debated whether to approve the amendment or require the removal of the ten-foot walls. Ultimately, they voted unanimously to approve the amendment, concluding that the enclosure would not negatively impact surrounding properties.

Additionally, the commission discussed a land development code amendment under case number DCA-24-00001, aimed at clarifying impact fees and extending economic incentive agreements to projects developed within the previous five years. This change sought to encourage redevelopment in targeted areas by allowing businesses to apply for development and building permit fee waivers. The commission supported the amendment, noting potential benefits such as improved tax bases and successful business growth.