The Morgantown Planning Commission has recommended a zoning map amendment to the Morgantown City Council, aimed at increasing residential density in a busy area near the intersection of Stewart, Hoffman, Protzman streets, and VanGilder Avenue. The proposal, put forth by Jennifer Tucker, seeks to rezone two parcels totaling 0.16 acres at 401 VanGilder Avenue from R-1A (single-family residential) to R-3 (multi-family residential). This change is intended to facilitate the construction of six to eight one- and two-bedroom units designated for student housing.
The proposed site is situated directly across from Skyline Apartments, which sits at the top of the “Falling Run” hill. The application has stirred some concerns among local residents and property owners regarding traffic congestion and on-street parking in the vicinity, particularly due to the existing demand in front of the adjacent apartment complex.
Community Concerns and Planning Commission Insights
During discussions, Tucker emphasized plans to demolish the current dilapidated structure on the site. A primary goal is to include on-site parking to alleviate some of the congestion. “I just wanted to make it clear that we’re going to try to put some kind of parking underneath the units. We didn’t want to try to cram a bunch in there, just so it wasn’t obtrusive to the neighborhood,” she stated.
The planning commission’s primary responsibility in such cases is to assess whether the zoning change aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan. Rickie Yeager, Development Services Director, affirmed that the proposal is consistent with the plan, which promotes higher-density development in that corridor. Although the commission suggested that R-2 (single and two-family residential) zoning might be more suitable, this would still allow for Tucker’s multi-family development as a conditional use, requiring additional scrutiny and public input before approval from the city’s board of zoning appeals.
Tucker expressed her willingness to adapt to this recommendation, which the planning commission approved for submission to the Morgantown City Council. The discussion highlighted the changing nature of the area, with many commissioners agreeing that the land is no longer viable for single-family homes. “The structure that’s on there is obsolete. For us to think that someone is going to drop that structure and put a single-family residence right across the street from what’s there, I think is unrealistic,” remarked Commissioner Tim Stranko.
Future Development and Infrastructure Considerations
Stranko underscored the importance of ensuring that the parcel is utilized productively, noting the constraints imposed by its size. “The marketplace is going to tell the builder, or the developer, you’ve got to provide parking because who’s going to buy an apartment out there if they can’t find a place to put their car,” he added. This perspective reflects the broader expectation that future developments must address parking needs adequately.
It is important to note that while the two parcels are located near the busy intersection, they do not directly abut it. The city also owns a 0.06-acre parcel at the corner of Stewart Street and VanGilder Avenue, which is being held for potential future changes to the intersection. According to recommendations from the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization’s recent downtown microsimulation study, a roundabout is being considered for that location to improve traffic flow.
The next steps will see the proposal presented to the Morgantown City Council, where further discussions regarding the zoning change and its implications for the community will take place. As the area evolves, the outcomes of these discussions will play a significant role in shaping the future of residential development in Morgantown.
