Members of the Ogden Zoning Board October 1 granted four area variances on two lots for the Green Wood Park townhouse/apartment project, proposed for 27.5 acres near the northwest corner of Whittier Road and Westside Drive.
The variances will allow for 9’ x 18’ size parking spaces; two front setbacks – one for 30’ where 60’ is required for 63 townhouses, and one for 44’ where 100’ is required for seven apartment buildings; and one side setback for 30’ where 60’ is required for one townhouse.
Don Riley of Mark IV Development said the parcel has, “been zoned multi-family and fits with the town’s comprehensive plan.” He noted the plan includes a public road onto both Whittier Road and Westside Drive.
Riley explained that the variances are driven by the design, “and pull townhouses as far away from neighbors as possible.”
Developers are working with neighbors regarding landscaping which will ensure “privacy, safety and light control,” Riley said.
Four residents spoke during the public hearing regarding their concerns over retention/detention ponds, traffic, and drainage, but Zoning Board member Mark Young said the Zoning Board does not deal with those issues, only the requested variances.
Noting that all variances requested are all within the Green Wood Park development, Zoning Board members gave their approval.
On August 13, the Ogden Planning Board in a split vote, gave preliminary site plan approval to the project. Planning Board members expressed concerns over the density of the project, which they said could mean 400 more people in the neighborhood. Sixteen people spoke during a public hearing that evening, all not in favor of the project and stating concerns over traffic, drainage, loss of mature trees, privacy and streetlights.
Don Riley assured Zoning Board members October 1, that developers will continue to work with neighbors to address questions and concerns.
