WESTMINSTER : Council OKs 46-Unit Housing Project

Despite protests from some surrounding residents, the City Council on Tuesday night approved the development of 46 houses on five acres at the southeast corner of Westminster Boulevard and Hammon Place.

The property had been designated for commercial development, but the council approved changing the commercial zoning to “medium-density residential” use.

Some residents complained that traffic, already troublesome in the area, would become worse if the parcel is developed. Others wanted to keep the strawberries and corn they said are growing on the land.

“I’m concerned with the traffic, and how they’re going to get 46 units on five acres. That seems like a lot,” said Jerry Hereford, who lives behind the property.

But the council said the land must be developed, and agreed with the developer that a residential project would cause less traffic than a commercial development.

“We can’t stop development, the property will be sold,” Councilwoman Charmayne S. Bohman said. “At least there will be less traffic with homes.”

The Centerstone Co., authorized by property owner Leda Marrocco, will develop the parcel. “It will upgrade the area,” said Kirk Evans of Centerstone. He said studies found the area would have six times the traffic if it were developed as commercial rather than residential.

“I’m happy about it,” said Andrew Spisak, president of the Hammond Place Homeowners Assn. “It’s a good thing for the area.”

The city will hold public hearings to discuss the site plan.