During Monday’s meeting, the Princeton City Council moved forward with the first reading of an ordinance amendment to expand high-density housing options while upholding land protection standards.
Caldwell County Judge-Executive Kota Young explained the Planning Commission recommended changes to four sections of the City’s Planning Code of Ordinances, following a 5-1 vote in favor of sending the proposed text amendment to the council.
Judge Young outlined the four sections set for amendment, focusing first on the R-3 multi-family district’s lot size rules. Currently, these require 7,000 square feet for the first unit and 4,000 for each additional unit. He says the Planning Commission has recommended changing these requirements to encourage more high-density, affordable housing.
click to download audioJudge Young also described the other three proposed text changes, saying the overall goal is to update the city’s planning rules to better support high-density affordable housing projects now under consideration in the community.
click to download audioJudge Young added that the changes would also adjust permitted uses in light industrial areas and fix conflicting city ordinances, all to support the consideration of new investments in high-density affordable housing developments in the community.
After the presentation, Councilwoman Sheila Gates sponsored the ordinance’s first reading by City Attorney Todd Wetzel. The second reading is set for the next city council meeting.
During reports, Mayor Brock Thomas updated the council on the progress of two local bridge projects.
click to download audioHe also shared updates on the lights and progress on the splash pad at the park.
During department reports, Police Chief Chris King announced that a new officer has been hired and will begin training next month.
click to download audioDuring unfinished business, resident Mike Combs returned to the Council to provide more details about similar ordinances in other towns, following his earlier request to extend dawn-to-dusk hours for Street Legal Special Purpose Vehicles.
click to download audioNo action was taken, and Mayor Thomas said the matter would be considered further.
