Turning the Tide

As we have previously reported, a number of Englewood’s residential neighborhoods have in recent years been threatened by developer plans and applications to increase density and build town houses in areas zoned for single-families. These applications have been fueled by the profitability of town houses and by a perception that Englewood might be willing to grant variances. Earlier this year, such an application for 36 units on Dwight Place was withdrawn by the developer before receiving a ruling from the Board of Adjustment, and on July 29 an application for 11 units between Palisade Avenue and Brinckerhoff Court was unanimously rejected by the Board after three years of hearings. Neighborhood opposition, including retention of an attorney, to both of the proposals was considerable.

The real estate market has weakened in recent months, but will surely recover in the years ahead, and further threats to our neighborhoods may arise unless developers come to recognize that Englewood’s zoning will not be lightly disregarded by our elected officials and by the members of our zoning boards. The City Council over a year ago specifically endorsed the Master Plan recommendation that town houses not be allowed in single-family residential zones. The recent decision reached by the Board of Adjustment is thus significant, not just for the neighbors, but as another signal to the development community.