Arc Terrace Impact Investors presented a waterfront conditional-use application for a 61-unit development on several vacant parcels in Erie's West Bayfront during the Oct. 1 public hearing. The project would include townhomes and fourplexes across nine structures, three interior courtyards and 93 parking spaces, the developer said.

City planning staff: Cooper Moore, assistant planner and secretary to the Design Review Committee and Planning Commission, said staff raised no internal objections after review and that both commissions recommended the application. The commissions had asked for more detail on lighting fixtures, fences and mailboxes visible from the street; Moore said that additional information was provided.

Developer presentation: Joe Sugiyama of Arc Terrace said the Boston-based impact investor hired Opticos (Berkeley), Weber Murphy Fox and John Laird and Associates for local design input. He described the project as "missing middle" housing that aims to offer mid-priced options with porches facing courtyards to encourage neighbor interaction. He said the project includes 61 units, 93 parking spaces and nine structures and that the firm plans to own the development long-term rather than sell immediately.

Public comments and council questions: Sugiyama said Arc Terrace spoke with the leadership of West Erie Presbyterian and presented to the West Bayfront neighborhood watch; there was no door-to-door survey of every resident. Council members asked about potential short-term rentals (the developer said that is not the current plan; units are expected to be year-long leases), EV charging and solar (the developer said EV charging is likely to be considered in later design phases and solar had not yet been evaluated), underground utilities (the applicant said new utilities within the site would be underground), and broadband/fiber access (the developer said they would engage local providers).

Why it matters: The proposal would add 61 residential units and could influence housing availability and neighborhood character in the West Bayfront. Planning staff and commissions recommended approval; the public hearing record shows general support from some neighbors and questions from council about affordability, infrastructure and long-term impacts.

Next steps: The hearing closed with no final vote recorded at the Oct. 1 meeting; project permitting and major land-development review remain to come.