Two stories OK on Myran Drive

Deirdre Newman

Despite an outpouring of emotion for the rustic charm of Myran Drive,

the City Council upheld the approval of a two-story residence on the

street on Tuesday.

The council voted 3 to 1, with Councilwoman Libby Cowan absent, to

back the Planning Commission’s approval of what will be the only

two-story residence on Myran Drive. The street is one of the last

remnants of the city’s early days -- a small stretch devoid of

concrete where four one-story houses sit side by side.

Councilman Chris Steel had filed the appeal based on several

issues, such as traffic and quality of life. All 14 speakers spoke

against the project, but Steel didn’t present any evidence as to why

the project shouldn’t go forward.

Many of the opponents argued that the project would destroy

quality of life in the neighborhood.

“This project has a severe impact of shadowing and destroys the

privacy of the neighbors on all sides,” said Pamela Frankel, who

lives next door to the proposed project.

Zoning Administrator Perry Valantine approved the project,

designed by developer Willard Chilcott, in November. Chilcott said he

was relieved that would now be able to build two two-story,

single-family homes on a lot of about 2,400 square feet.

“I feel the process shouldn’t be so grueling when you’re simply

following all the rules,” Chilcott said. “There’s so much more

revitalization that needs to be done on the Westside, and that can

only discourage people like me from doing it.”

Steel, Cowan and Planning Commissioner Katrina Foley had appealed

Valantine’s decision on the basis that the amount of public

opposition to the project required a public hearing.

The commission upheld Valantine’s approval, and Steel appealed

that decision in January. He cited concerns such as limited parking

on Myran Drive and the intrusive nature of the two-story structure

proposed, charging that it would block the neighbors’ view of sky,

trees and open space and interfere with airflow and breezes on hot

days.

Councilman Allan Mansoor acknowledged the emotional response to

the project but said that the design guidelines took precedence.

“The project does comply with the residential guidelines,” Mansoor

said. “It’s a process where we tried to be fair with everyone.”