Even though so-called overbuilding has been hanging around Council Chambers since late spring, “this is a continuation of the discussion, definitely not the end of the discussion by any stretch,” Vice Mayor Andy Weissman said this morning.
By far the longest running current controversy, it is among eight public hearings at this evening’s 7 o’clock City Council that threatens to spill yawningly into Tuesday morning. Activists against Mansionization, its popular label, may fall into sleep before being called, though. Unless Mayor Mehaul O’Leary juggles the agenda, mansionization will be the sixth public hearing.
“I don’t know what we are going to settle about it tonight,” Mr. Weissman said. “We have given the (city) staff direction regarding amending the ordinance consistent with the eight recommendations brought by the Planning Commission.
“We are talking about expanding setbacks, and dealing with height and mapping issues.”
The vice mayor said that “we probably will talk about additional changes we would like to see regarding what to do about building two-story homes or adding a second story.”
Mr. Weissman there is no doubt about the nature of the debate. “This is all about second stories,” he said. “The intent probably will be to have the Planning Commission continue to evaluate what, if anything, should be done to further deal with the mass of buildings, exclusively on second stories.
“That is where all the issues with regard to size and view and light and privacy occur.
“It does not come from a single-story structure that gets larger and remains a single-story structure,” Mr. Weissman said.
“Those concerned about the size of houses being built are worried about the size of two-story houses being built, not one.
“What we are doing addresses some if the issues. It will result in smaller houses being built on lots.
“We may want to do additional things,” Mr. Weissman said. “The Planning Commission may decide there should be further things done about second-floor add-ons.”
