This one felt straightforward—but not in a rushed way. In a “what are we really solving here?” kind of way.

A request came forward to rezone two R1 properties into R3 to allow duplex construction. The Planning Commission had already recommended denial. Residents showed up and spoke.

And as I listened, I kept waiting for something that never came.

A clear explanation of how this would help the community.

Not just add units. Not just increase flexibility. But actually address a need—affordable housing, workforce housing, something tangible.

Instead, what I heard centered more on what would change for the neighborhood. Traffic. Character. Disruption.

That doesn’t automatically mean something should be denied. Growth always changes things.

But there’s a difference between change with purpose and change for convenience.

By the time I spoke, my thoughts had narrowed down to a simple point: this didn’t feel like the only option available to the applicant. It felt like the preferred option.

And if something is being asked primarily for individual benefit, without a clear community upside, that’s where the conversation should slow down—not speed up.

Rezoning isn’t just a technical adjustment.

It’s a statement about what a place is becoming.