Commissioners at the recent planning commission meeting voted unanimously to allow Philip Manela and his fiancée, Yeffi Van Atta, to proceed with their plans to rebuild their 2,120-square foot, one-story home to a two-story, 2,694-square-foot house to accommodate their growing family of four sons.

The decision came despite neighbors' pleas to preserve the tradition of single-story homes in the area.

Adele Hirose, who lives on Paseo Presada, attended the public hearing and spoke on behalf of her neighbors who objected to the plan.

"This will completely change the character of the neighborhood," she pleaded. "If this is approved, it will open doors and pave the way for more two-story houses."

Commissioner George Roupe also foresees that the neighborhood, which has approximately three two-story homes and 80 single-story homes, will eventually catch on to the two-story trend.

"It's the wave of the future," said Commissioner Jill Hunter.

Commissioner Mike Garakani questioned the impact of the height difference in response to Hirose's complaint that her view of the sunset and mountains would be obstructed if Manela and Van Atta raise the height of their home from approximately 18 feet to 20 feet.

Kathleen Snyder, a Dundee Avenue property owner who lives on the lot adjacent to Manela and Van Atta, agreed with the owners and commissioners that the new structure will be modest and attractive, compared to other two-story homes in the area. However, her main concern is maintaining privacy.

Unlike other homes, she says, she has nothing to serve as a barrier between her house and that of Manela and Van Atta. But after discussing the possibility of placing trees around the perimeter of her house to protect her privacy as well as add an aesthetic appeal, Snyder agreed to the building plan.

The project also includes demolishing 312 square feet of the existing 720-square-foot garage and the addition of a swimming pool.

Manela and Van Atta must wait 15 days to proceed with their plan to allow residents the chance to appeal the decision.

"It's very likely that Manela and Van Atta will have their wishes granted," said Roupe.