Item 5: Public Hearing on Ordinance Establishing Chambers Special Area Zone

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ALLEY CHARACTER Alleys in the ETN accommodate residential service functions as well as providing housing options and pedestrian access. Alleys in the ETN are typically (but not always) unpaved. The alleys in this neighborhood support a mix of residential uses that include back yards, small dwellings, parking, garages, trash collection, utility connections and in some cases, shared open space. Alleys are eclectic in their uses and their visual character-their development being driven by a wide range of individual choices about how the alley can serve each owner's needs. In general, buildings built on alleys are smaller than houses that front the streets. The best of these help to create a "cottage-like" environment. Many alleys have lots with yards that provide private open space to the residents. The collective impact of the private open space is an important part of the overall "green" character appreciated by residents in the neighborhood. Some alleys are more developed and serve as small lanes for houses, garages, and accessory buildings. Many of these more developed alleys, especially the ones with dwellings which respect the small-scale context, are seen as positive contributions to the ETN character, enriching the neighborhood while providing a wider range of housing options. Roughly half the residential blocks in the Study Area have alleys. Alleys vary in width from 12-16 feet; 14 feet is typical. Houses on alley blocks are often developed with garages on the alleys. Many houses on blocks with or without alleys have their garages to the side and behind the street facade of the dwelling unit. Alleys can provide an opportunity to add needed housing through modest scaled development while maintaining neighborhood character. A range of alleys and alley character. A fine examples of a "cottage- like" alley house in the ETN. This house has all of the basic patterns found on streets in the area, but in reduced scale. .