The Common Council downzoned two lots near the northwest side of McKee Farms park, stopping a developer from proceeding with plans to construct the apartments.
The proposed apartments had been strongly opposed by residents of the Chapel Valley neighborhood, who said it was incompatible with the singe-family homes and duplexes in the area.
The council agreed with residents who said the developer, Joe McCormick, had not significantly altered his plans to address their concerns, including traffic and stormwater runoff. Residents said they didn't oppose development of the lots, but wanted a reduction in the number of apartments.
Mayor Jay Allen attended one of the meetings between McCormick and residents. "I've never been to a meeting like that. The developer was unwilling to meet the needs of the neighborhood," he said.
Oppenents had collected about 700 signatures of those opposing the project.
McCormick said he was unaware that the residents had suggested specific alternatives and had already made several alterations, such as the height of the building and location of parking, in response to suggestions of the Plan Commission.
Downzoning does not necessarily mean the site will be developed as dictated by the classification (around 24 duplexes) if the developer proposes an alternative that's approved by the Plan Commission.
The Plan Commission had rejected downzoning, saying it represented too great a reduction in the number of apartments, although it also indicated that 128 apartments were probably too many.
In a letter on page 6 of the Fitchburg Star (also in the letters section of connectfitchburg.com) in this issue, Ald. William Horns, who opposed the downzoning, said he would ask the council to reconsider the ordinance, citing arduction in tax revenue and inconsistency with provisions in the city's comprehensive plan that encourage denser development.
