65-25 Special Exception and Use Variance at 628 Western Avenue

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Staff Report— BZA#0368-25 October 6, 2025 responds to a unique situation in which an angled portion of a facade at a corner is included in the same width calculation as a facade along an adjacent street, contributing to it exceeding the maximum permitted width despite it meeting the intent of the ordinance. The building width variances are a result of the hardship imposed on the petitioner of having to try and retain as many public housing units on site as possible while still pursuing mixed- income development. Analysis & Recommendation Analysis: Incorporating a daycare and retail space into this development will provide new amenities for the neighborhood and fit with the other commercial uses on and near Western Avenue. Granting the setback and accessory structure variances will allow for the creation of a new publicly accessible park. The building width variance for the mixed-use shop building will allow it to have one central elevator while meeting the intent of the ordinance, and the width variance for the stacked flats buildings will help the petitioner retain as many public housing units on site as possible, and construct buildings that create continuity with the rest of this development. Staff Recommendation: Based on the information provided prior to the public hearing, the staff recommends the Board send the petitions for the Special Exception and Use Variance to the Common Council with a favorable recommendation. Staff also recommends that the Board approve the building setback and accessory structure variances as presented, and approve the stacked flats and shop building width variances subject to superior articulation through such design techniques as enhanced detailing, changes in material, or changes in the building plane. SOt III BENT) BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Page 5 of 5