Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting - November 6, 2025

The Crestwood Planning and Zoning Commission met on November 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Aldermanic Chambers. The meeting included approval of minutes, public comment on a proposed camera ordinance, and a primary new business item: a preliminary plat for The Wayne Apartments Subdivision at 8800 Watson Road. After discussion and presentation, the commission voted to deny the plat application due to code violations. The meeting also featured an aldermanic report covering other city developments.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously by voice vote without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Devin Sauer and his wife Marilyn (residents of 9306 Queenston) addressed the commission regarding a neighbor's high-powered cameras that record audio and video 24/7, pointed at their property. They expressed that this is an invasion of privacy and urged the commission to place on a future agenda a proposed code enforcement violation to regulate such cameras. They noted the issue had been referred from the Public Safety Committee. Chairman Sweet acknowledged the matter and stated staff would follow up.

Discussion Items

• Preliminary Plat – The Wayne Apartments Subdivision (8800 Watson Rd.)
  • Staff Planner Danny presented the application (Plat-2-25) from Zuma Beach One to subdivide one existing lot into six lots for four apartment buildings and two commercial buildings. The property is zoned PDMXD and is subject to Resolution 22.04 and city code. The plat conflicts with provisions requiring frontage on Watson Road, street frontage for all lots, and direct public street access (Chapters 26.17 and 26.44). The applicant requested waivers for these requirements and for 26-foot wide interior streets instead of 30 feet. Staff recommended denial due to non-compliance.
  • Victor Alston (developer) explained the need for subdivision to obtain separate construction loans for each building, citing high interest rates that make a single large loan cost-prohibitive. He stated that the first building (westernmost, lot 6) would be built first, and the phasing would allow a blended lower interest rate. He argued that building all 300 units is financially necessary to recoup site preparation costs (~$10 million).
  • Tom Prost (civil engineer) clarified that all lots would have cross-access easements, so no lot would be landlocked. Legal counsel Carl Lumling noted the overall development plan has not changed and that the waivers ultimately require Board of Aldermen approval.
  • Commissioners and Alderman Maby raised concerns:
    • Lot 3 has no street access; cross-access easements are not typical for landlocked residential parcels.
    • Splitting lots could allow foreclosure on individual parcels, leading to piecemeal development and non-compliance with the unified plan (shared amenities like pool, gym, clubhouse in Building 1).
    • Alderman Maby pointed out that the original resolution envisioned a cohesive project; he suggested phasing that prioritizes Building 1 first and combining lots to reduce risk.
    • Questions were asked about lot coverage and floor area ratio compliance if lots were split; staff noted potential issues that might require revision of the development plan.
  • After deliberation, a motion was made and seconded to deny the preliminary plat based on violations of Resolution 22.04 and City Code Chapters 26.17 and 26.44. The motion passed on a roll call vote: 4-0 (Commissioners Sharpman, Bundesman, Zipple, and the Chair all voting yes). The denial is subject to review by the Board of Aldermen and the applicant may appeal.

Aldermanic Report

• Alderman Maby provided updates:
  • The Board approved modifications to the Crestwood Crossing redevelopment agreement; progress continues there.
  • Traffic calming on Liggett Road: speed bumps installed; roundabout designs under further engineering review.
  • City ordinance updated to require golf cart headlights at night or in rain.
  • Ordinance updated to prohibit camping/sleeping on public property without a permit, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision.
  • The new community center will be named "The Cliffs" with a new logo.
  • Upcoming meetings: November 10 (Charter Commission final meeting), November 17 (Ridgewood neighborhood town hall on mid-century modern preservation), November 18 (Ways & Means committee for 2026 budget).
• Chairman Sweet encouraged attendance at the Charter Commission meeting and noted the Ridgewood preservation effort could come before the Planning Commission next year.

Key Outcomes

• The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to deny the preliminary plat for The Wayne Apartments Subdivision (Plat-2-25) due to conflicts with Resolution 22.04 and City Code Chapters 26.17 and 26.44. The decision is not final; it will be reviewed by the Board of Aldermen and the applicant may appeal.
• No action was taken on the camera ordinance issue; staff will follow up on placing it on a future agenda.