The next phase of the Silo property development in Lafayette will need to undergo further studies on housing diversification. The Lafayette Planning Commission has referred what’s called a planned unit development sketch plan back to developers for further studying.

The Silo development is located south of Arapahoe Road and west of the proposed extension of Aspen Ridge Drive and is owned by Sue Weems. During the Tuesday planning meeting, the commission voted to send the plan back to the applicants, Cornerstone Homes and Lennar Colorado, to study options to include a wider diversity of housing options, density and size of open space and parks.

The first phase of the development is mostly constructed or under construction, according to Alan Cunningham, vice president at planning and architecture firm PCS Group, which is helping with the planning and landscaping for the development.

The plan proposed amending the planned unit development, to build roughly 230 housing units, including 122 townhome units, 107 single-family units and six duplexes, on about 38 acres. The plan varied from the original 2017 planned unit development, which had 317 units, including single and multifamily residential units, as well as retail space.

Commissioners expressed their concern about the lack of multifamily housing types in the sketch plan it reviewed, stating that while the city has no ordinance requiring affordable housing in developments, multifamily units are naturally more affordable and add to more housing options that residents have. Commissioners said they would prefer to see more dense housing types, and larger open space and parks in the development.

There were also concerns about a reduction in open space. The applicant stated that 45% of the phase two area would be open space, which Senior Planner Jesse Rounds said exceeds the city’s 15% minimum open space requirements. While the proposed amendment shows a decrease in open space and housing types, Rounds said the development is still within city code.

“It is a reduction, but it still meets the code. We don’t have a lot of room to say ‘this is not appropriate,’” Rounds said.

Commissioner Frank Phillips said there needs to be a significant conversation about a potential traffic light along Arapahoe, given its proximity to the U.S. 287 and Arapahoe Road intersection, which is congested during rush hour.

City staff said a traffic study is needed to determine where a potential traffic light would be placed but is likely considering how close it is to The Range at Lafayette proposed annexation and development east of the Silo development.