The Planning Commission recommended approval, 5‑1, of a general development plan and rezone to allow The Ridge, a 256‑unit multifamily project proposing 25% of units as attainable housing. The project, led by developer Braden Curry of Kirkko Capital and presented by attorney Caleb Grimes, would deploy a four‑story apartment complex on about 23.4 acres, folding a three‑acre A‑1 remnant into PDR zoning and assigning a GDP across the larger site.

Philip DeMaria of Kimley‑Horn said the design emphasizes compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods by providing 75‑foot setbacks on all sides, a 6.25‑acre wetland preservation area to the north, and enhanced buffers at the southeast corner where single‑family homes are adjacent. He said the project reduced unit counts by 60 units to minimize wetland impacts and the GDP includes a request to reduce parking and allow other specific approvals to keep impervious area low. Braden Curry said the project is infill and “not requesting any upzoning” of the site’s Res‑9 future land use and that the decision to forego a mixed‑use component was deliberate to limit traffic impacts.

Commissioners asked the applicant about the wetland impacts and how the plan would respond to recent policy changes that increased buffers from wetlands in some parts of the county. Project stormwater engineer and environmental consultant explained that the affected wetlands included areas with degraded soils and invasive species and that impacts were limited to lower‑quality wetland areas after a field assessment. Staff noted the applicant reduced the unit count after wetland accounting: the table of density calculations in the staff report shows a maximum permitted unit count reduced to the proposed 256 units given the mapped wetland area.

Public testimony was mixed. Supporters and people with lived experience in recovery said the project would meet county affordable‑housing priorities and provide accessible workforce housing near employment centers. Neighbors raised concerns about traffic, flooding and four‑story buildings adjacent to single‑family yards and asked for robust buffering measures. Transportation staff said the roadway system in the immediate area had capacity for the project’s forecasted trips but noted other nearby CIP road projects were in the pipeline.

After discussion Commissioner Bauer said he would vote no, citing unresolved concerns about wetlands and neighborhood impacts; the motion to recommend approval nevertheless carried 5‑1. Staff will track the specific approvals and conditions specified in the staff report as the project advances to County Commission review.