ORANGE

Supporting a March vote by the Planning Commission, the City Council last week denied Ralph Zehner’s most recent request to build two duplexes and a six-car garage behind his 1904 Craftsman-style bungalow on East Culver Avenue in Old Towne. Zehner submitted revised plans at the meeting--including a city-modified version trying to address building height and Old Towne historical guidelines--but council members refused to consider them, saying they were not given adequate time to study the plans.

Nearly two dozen community members argued before the council on the issue. Preservationists said they fear rental units will compromise the historic look of the neighborhood, while others--including some of Zehner’s neighbors--said the project would have no negative impact. The issue has split the community for 18 months now. The city has “spent more time in developing this than they did in developing the entire Block,” said Councilman Dan Slater, referring to the entertainment center. “We need to see an end to this. . . . I’m tired of this project.”

Zehner wouldn’t say what his next move will be. “I’m not planning anything right now,” he said. “We’re just doing our homework.”