Published July 22nd, 2020
Terraces - next stop, city council for decision
By Pippa Fisher
The Terraces' future has been escalated to the city council for a final decision.
City Council Member Cam Burks officially announced his appeal of the June 30 Planning Commission's decision to approve the Terraces land use project application, by email and at the council meeting July 13, coming in under the two-week deadline to file an appeal.
"I believe that this project and decision is of such profound importance to the city and people of Lafayette, that it should be heard by the full, elected city council," said Burks.
Planning commissioners had voted 5-2 in favor of approving the project but not without voicing concerns over traffic and safety issues in an emergency evacuation situation.
The controversial project for 315 apartments to be built on a 22-acre lot on Deer Hill Road includes 20 percent of the units offered as low-income housing and as such has protection under the Housing Accountability Act.
The city has two more allowable meetings on this project according to state law. But it is likely that any decision on this case will wind up in legal action; litigation that according to the applicant's attorney could cost the city up to $15.75 million if courts find the city acted in bad faith in denying the project.
City Manager Niroop Srivatsa said at the meeting she expected the council's hearing on the Terraces would take place in early August.

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