Lafayette apartments to make way for taller buildings neighbors don’t want

After hours of discussion, and a vote taking place just a few minutes short of 2 a.m. Tuesday, the Lafayette City Council approved a plan to demolish a downtown apartment complex and replace it with larger buildings over neighborhood objections.

Developer Madison Park wants to build a 71-unit, two-building project at 3483 and 3491 Golden Gate Way, across the street from the Lafayette Library. The building’s height would extend to more than 53 feet — thanks to a waiver from the city allowing it to exceed the area’s 35-foot limit — and include an underground parking garage, 65 apartments and six townhomes.