Buellton is reviewing a proposal for a mixed-use property that would add to the city’s affordable housing offerings.
The city Planning Commission discussed the proposal at its Dec. 19 meeting. According to the staff report, the three-story, mixed-use property is subject to a “15 percent inclusionary housing requirement and would require the construction of an estimated 10 affordable housing units on-site.”
The Creekside Village property, located at 480 Avenue of Flags, sits on 1.64 acres of land. The existing building already has 19 tenants, which owner Creekside Village LLC would be required by city ordinance to help relocate.
Positioned along Zaca Creek, the property would have more than 10,000 square feet of commercial space and more than 43,000 square feet of residential space divided among 64 units.
The plan has already undergone two reviews by the Planning Commission, one in May and one in September.
Commissioners have asked for more art deco detailing, more user-friendly pedestrian access, and a Town Plaza courtyard with “specimen oak tree and outdoor furniture.”
Brandon Mann—co-founder of MB Development, which put the project forward—said that because he lives in Buellton, he’s also invested in creating a great community space.
“We’ve made many changes to the project,” he said. “We feel we’ve made it more of a community feel.”
The project added past suggestions from the Planning Commission, including sidewalks and a trail along Zaca Creek.
“We want this to be an affordable option for people living in Buellton who commute to other areas,” he said. “We’re taking a very large risk. Construction costs are very high for us right now. I wish we could provide the moon, but we’re gonna try the best we can.”
Planning for the project will continue, and Mann said he’ll keep up a dialogue with city staff.
The Planning Commission asked for a list of details in the next iteration of the plan, including a rendering of the color of the building, public works and engineering details like sidewalk improvements, and tweaks to the flood plan.
“If this project doesn’t go through, I don’t see another developer not from Buellton taking the risk,” he said.
This article appears in Dec 26, 2019 – Jan 2, 2020.