Attachment C - VPC Summaries - GPA-DSTV-2-23-2.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2024-12-04)

View PDF Meeting page

Extracted text (via pymupdf) 33355 characters
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
Date of VPC Meeting 
October 1, 2024 
Request From 
Residential 2 to 5 dwelling units per acre 
Request To 
Commercial 
Proposal 
Commercial uses 
Location 
Southwest corner of Black Mountain Boulevard and Deer 
Valley Drive 
VPC Recommendation 
Approval 
VPC Vote 
9-2
VPC DISCUSSION:
Item No. 4 (GPA-DSTV-2-23-2), Item No. 5 (GPA-DSTV-3-23-2), and Item No. 6 (Z-39-
23-2) are companion cases and were heard together.
Fifty-two members of the public registered to speak on this item, 18 in opposition, 34 in 
support. 
Twelve members of the public registered in opposition, not wishing to speak. 
Twenty-six members of the public registered in support, not wishing to speak. 
STAFF PRESENTATION 
Anthony Grande, staff, provided an overview of the location of the subject site and the 
surrounding area, the proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use Map and 
the Desert Ridge Specific Plan, and the rezoning request. Mr. Grande further described 
the proposed development, the correspondence received from the public, and the staff 
recommendations on all three cases, including recommended stipulations for the 
rezoning case. 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION 
Ashley Marsh, representing the applicant with Gammage & Burnham, PLC, provided a 
presentation, highlighting the work the applicant has done with the community since the 
last meeting and the aspects of the proposed development that have been modified. 
Ryan Ash with Vestar provided an overview of the company and the project, including 
the process of deciding on the subject site for this project. Dawn Cartier with CivTech 
ATTACHMENT C

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 1, 2024 
Page 2 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
described the proposed street improvements in the surrounding area and the impacts 
on the traffic. 
 
QUESTIONS FROM COMMITTEE 
Vice Chair Lagrave asked about the provision of crossing guards and whether the 
applicant would be open to prohibiting car washes. Ms. Marsh stated that the applicant 
would provide the crossing guards and would be open to prohibiting car washes. 
 
Committee Member Israel asked about the enforceability of the requirements of the 
Desert Ridge Specific Plan and about the responsibility to street improvements. Mr. 
Grande replied that the requirements of the specific plan are regulatory and would be 
enforced for any future development at the site and that developers are generally 
responsible for street improvements on their half of the street. 
 
Committee Member Younger asked about auto-oriented businesses. Ms. Marsh 
replied that the zoning would allow what’s found in the C-2 zoning use list. 
 
Committee Member Nowell asked about drive throughs and the traffic and noise 
generated from them. Ms. Marsh stated that every drive through is different and has to 
be reviewed through a use permit for each one. 
 
Mr. Nowell asked about the timing of street improvements. Ms. Marsh replied that all 
street improvements would need to be done first before development of the site. 
 
Committee Member Kollar asked about the bus stop pad. Ms. Marsh replied that it 
would be incorporated for any future bus routes that may serve the area. 
 
Mr. Younger commented on the traffic pattern example mentioned at Xavier College 
Preparatory School and asked if it would be similar here. Ms. Cartier replied that these 
would be more controlled movements because of the medians. 
 
Committee Member Carlucci asked about signal timing changes at Black Mountain 
Boulevard and Deer Valley Drive. Ms. Cartier replied that the timing would be adjusted 
to allow pedestrians time to cross. Mr. Carlucci asked about the overall traffic 
modeling. Ms. Cartier provided details of the level of service in several scenarios. 
 
Committee Member Kirkilas asked about the size of the grocery store and asked for 
clarification on the definition of adult uses. Mr. Ash replied that the site plan is 
conceptual and that negotiations will begin after zoning is in place, which will solidify the 
store size. Ms. Marsh provided a clarification on adult uses. 
 
Mr. Israel asked about limiting all auto-oriented uses in C-2. Mr. Grande explained that 
individual uses could be prohibited in the Desert Ridge Specific Plan.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 1, 2024 
Page 3 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Mr. Younger asked about the height limit. Mr. Ash replied that it would be two stories, 
30 feet. 
 
Mr. Carlucci asked about the estimated investment in infrastructure for this project and 
whether prohibiting drive throughs would negatively impact the project. Mr. Ash replied 
with investment details and stated that prohibiting drive throughs would limit many future 
restaurant options. Chair Bowser added that in the post-Covid market, there are many 
more pick-up windows and drive throughs than before. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS 
Ted Weis introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, highlighting that it 
will provide more options for the area. 
 
Stephen Applebaum introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, 
stating that it will provide opportunities for bad behavior for students. 
 
Jackie Zicarelli introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
this will only shift where people spend money, and that housing would be more 
important to building due to the housing crisis. 
 
Gary Smith introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating that Desert 
Ridge Marketplace is too crowded, and this will provide an alternative. 
 
Yana Dashevsky introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal, highlighting 
the parking issues at Desert Ridge Marketplace. 
 
Aimee Sinclair introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating that 
Desert Ridge is growing, and this proposal will make it safer to walk and bike. 
 
Kristen Cassuto introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal, highlighting 
the parking issues at Desert Ridge Marketplace. 
 
David Barge introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating that he 
did not like the original proposal but is in support due to the changes Vestar made. 
 
Allie Lucyk read a letter from Geraldine Belafsky in support of the proposal. 
 
Roland Ward introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating it will 
provide an alternative to Desert Ridge Marketplace, which is too busy. 
 
Payton Sinclair introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating it 
would be good to have job opportunities nearby. 
 
Andrea Remke introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating she 
bought her home to be able to safely walk to school, not to have retail neaby.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 1, 2024 
Page 4 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Mike Coppola introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that it 
will cause a traffic nightmare. 
 
Suzanne Sayegh introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating 
that this is not a neighborhood shopping center, that stores people are looking for do not 
want to locate here, and that street improvements would be made by any new 
development. 
 
Chris Sinclair introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal. 
 
Allie Lucyk introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal. 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Greg Abrams. 
 
Justin Popnoe introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating this 
will have a negative impact on the nearby schools and highlighting the issue of child 
trafficking. 
 
William King introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating they 
expected new retail to be built to accommodate new housing coming in. 
 
Wouter Roodenburg introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, 
highlighting a petition submitted of people against the proposal. 
 
Jason Epstein introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating there 
are too many unknowns. 
 
Megan Lloyd introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating that 
having closer retail options is a good thing. 
 
Ben Butler introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating support for 
additional retail and that Vestar is a good developer. 
 
Ron Bookholder introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating 
the retail center will be regional due to the presence of the SR-51 and that this will be 
detrimental to the kids. 
 
Aaron Lloyd introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating it will 
bring amenities to the area. 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Bob Hamer. 
 
Layla Saikley introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
the area is a quiet, peaceful community.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 1, 2024 
Page 5 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Erin Reese. 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Richard Kovacik. 
 
Dan Richards introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
he moved to the area to enjoy the distance from retail, that he was told this parcel would 
be residential, and that the shopping center is not needed. 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Rick Merritt. 
 
Ronald Diamant introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating it 
will bring in more traffic with the proximity of the SR-51. 
 
Helen Doyle introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that this 
intersection will end up busier than Tatum Boulevard. 
 
Neeraj Chandak introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating 
that the shopping center will be just as bad as Desert Ridge Marketplace and 
highlighting the issue of homelessness. 
 
Irina Butler introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating that Vestar 
did a good job of responding to the community’s concerns. 
 
Linda Miles introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal. 
 
Sara Johnson introduced herself and spoke in support of the proposal. 
 
Paul Dunn introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that it is 
spot zoning and should be invalidated, and that the existing allowed use is single-family 
residential. 
 
Carolyn Dunn introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, playing a 
video showing the traffic issues around the school. 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Harrison Cole, stating the need for 
new commercial development to support the new housing. 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Caryn Marchuk, stating the peak 
times are better with retail than with residential. 
 
Nathan and Ilene Friedland introduced themselves and spoke in support of the 
proposal.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 1, 2024 
Page 6 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Candy Huether introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
parking and crime are issues, noting the issue of children crossing the street. 
 
Robert Miles introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating the area 
is not currently walkable and that this proposal will take vehicles off the road. 
 
John Norris introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating it will 
enhance the value of the area by providing an amenity. 
 
Jim Farley introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating that Vestar 
responded to community concerns. 
 
Greg Collins introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating this will 
provide options for kids and enhance walkability. 
 
James Tuffin introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
people bought homes based on the Desert Ridge Specific Plan and highlighting the 
issues with drive throughs. 
 
A member of the public read a letter of support from Bill Knapp. 
 
Christian Jacob introduced himself and spoke in support of the proposal, stating that 
friendships are formed at spaces like this and that other similar centers provide a safe 
space. 
 
Peggy Neely introduced herself as the former Councilperson for the area and spoke in 
support of the proposal, stating that Vestar is a good developer and that the project will 
benefit the area. 
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE 
Ms. Marsh showed a drone video highlighting the traffic conditions of the area and 
discussed the history of the Desert Ridge Specific Plan being amended in the past. 
 
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 
Committee Member Warren stated a concern about having retail next to the school, 
adding that he would be supportive if it was in a different location. 
 
Vice Chair Lagrave commented about other examples of shopping centers near 
schools and noted that he was previously opposed to this because of the size of the 
grocery store and the gas station, which have been addressed by the applicant, adding 
that he would be supportive with the condition that there is no car wash. 
 
Committee Member Younger asked about the bid process and timing. Ms. Marsh 
provided clarification.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 1, 2024 
Page 7 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
MOTION 
Vice Chair Lagrave made a motion to recommend approval of GPA-DSTV-2-23-2. 
Richard Carlucci seconded the motion. 
 
VOTE 
9-2; motion to recommend approval of GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 passed; Committee Members 
Barto, Carlucci, Israel, Kollar, Nowell, Reynolds, Younger, Lagrave, and Bowser in 
favor; Committee Members Kirkilas and Warren opposed. 
 
 
STAFF COMMENTS REGARDING VPC RECOMMENDATION: 
 
None.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
 
 
Date of VPC Meeting 
October 3, 2023 
Request From 
Residential 2 to 5 dwelling units per acre 
Request To 
Commercial 
Proposal 
Commercial uses 
Location 
Southwest corner of Black Mountain Boulevard and Deer 
Valley Drive 
VPC Recommendation 
Denial 
VPC Vote 
9-1 
 
 
VPC DISCUSSION: 
 
Item No. 5 (GPA-DSTV-2-23-2), Item No. 6 (GPA-DSTV-3-23-2), and Item No. 7 (Z-39-
23-2) are companion cases and were heard together. 
 
Twenty members of the public registered to speak on this item, 17 in opposition, three in 
support. 
 
Thirty-three members of the public registered in opposition, not wishing to speak. 
 
Three members of the public registered in support, not wishing to speak. 
 
STAFF PRESENTATION 
Anthony Grande, staff, provided an overview of the location of the subject site and the 
surrounding area, the proposed amendments to the General Plan Land Use Map and 
the Desert Ridge Specific Plan, and the rezoning request. He further described the 
proposed development, the correspondence received from the public, and the staff 
recommendations on all three cases, including recommended stipulations for the 
rezoning case. 
 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION 
Stephen Anderson, representing the applicant with Gammage & Burnham, provided a 
presentation, describing the need for an additional grocery store in the area and 
highlighting details of the proposed development, including limitations on uses and 
upgrades to the adjacent streets. Mr. Anderson further noted responses to concerns 
raised and reviewed data regarding support for the proposal in the community.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 3, 2023 
Page 2 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
QUESTIONS FROM COMMITTEE 
Committee Member Bunnell asked about the ownership of the property. Mr. 
Anderson replied that the property is owned by the Arizona State Land Department and 
provided clarification about the future auction process. 
 
Committee Member Nowell asked if alcohol sales would be permitted at the grocery 
store. Mr. Anderson replied that it would be permitted. 
 
Chair Bowser asked for clarification on uses allowed in proximity to the school. Mr. 
Anderson stated that alcohol is not permitted within 300 feet of the school and that the 
proposed specific plan text would not permit alcohol sales as a primary use, but it would 
be allowed as an accessory use. 
 
Committee Member Kirkilas asked if the gas station would be permitted to sell 
alcohol. Mr. Anderson replied that a gas station with a convenience store would not be 
permitted on the site. 
 
Committee Member Younger asked whether dispensaries would be allowed on the 
site. Mr. Anderson replied that they would be prohibited by the proposed text. 
 
Committee Member Kollar asked about parking management plans for the site. Mr. 
Anderson replied that the developer has experience managing complex parking 
situations, including at Desert Ridge Marketplace. 
 
Committee Member Kirkilas asked about the distance from the site to the Albertsons 
and if there is a standard distance expected between grocery stores. Mr. Anderson 
stated that the distance is about two miles and noted that the distance to the nearest 
grocery store from Albertsons is currently around five miles, which is an unusually large 
separation for the Phoenix area. 
 
Committee Member Nowell asked about the median extension stipulation. Mr. 
Anderson provided clarification, noting that the curbing would be added where it is 
currently striped. 
 
Committee Member Israel asked about street conditions on Mayo Boulevard before 
and after the proposed development. Mr. Anderson stated that Mayo Boulevard is 
currently a half-street and described the proposed street improvements. 
 
Committee Member Bunnell stated that bike lanes should be provided in both 
directions.  
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS 
Dan Richards introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
residents in the area did their research and expected this parcel to be residential and

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 3, 2023 
Page 3 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
that the proposed commercial use will bring customers from the SR-51 freeway and 
create issues with lighting, safety, loitering, and property values. 
 
Wouter Roodenburg introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, 
stating that neighborhood retail is limited to three acres in the specific plan and it 
doesn’t need to be changed because it already accomplishes the goals of the General 
Plan, further noting safety concerns with students walking to school and pedestrian and 
bike fatalities in relation to Vision Zero. 
 
James Tuffin introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
commercial activity should take place in the core and reduce in intensity away from the 
core, further noting that there are other shopping options nearby and that people bought 
their homes expecting this parcel to be residential. 
 
Paul Dunn introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, highlighting the 
large footprint of the proposed grocery store and stating that the proposal will not be low 
impact and will cause traffic issues, in addition to air and light pollution. 
 
Jackie Zicarelli introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
the statements made by the applicant, including alcohol sales prohibition and the 
inclusion of Trader Joes or Whole Foods, are misleading and that C-1 zoning would be 
neighborhood retail, rather than C-2. 
 
Mallorie Laforest introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, 
highlighting issues related to light pollution, traffic, and parking. 
 
Todd Laforest introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating there 
was no immediate need for the development and that it would cause traffic issues, 
further noting that the development will not necessarily be done by Vestar. 
 
Randal Spence introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
there are many grocery store options in the area and that people supporting the 
proposal only want small grocers. 
 
Jeanette Vespalee introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating 
that the master plan does not call for commercial use and that the proposal will cause 
congestion, traffic, and crime issues. 
 
Candy Huether introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
homeowners with exterior view fencing on neighboring developments expected the site 
to develop with residential, rather than commercial, and that crime, homeless, and 
human trafficking are important issues. 
 
Tom Carlson introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that it 
has transportation engineering issues and will draw traffic into the neighborhood.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 3, 2023 
Page 4 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Nathan Goldberg introduced himself and spoke in support to the proposal, stating that 
he is generally in favor of the proposal and the area needs more grocery stores, but he 
noted that he is concerned about the size of the grocery store and that the plan could be 
modified to include pick up and drop off areas for the school. 
 
Joe Hudock introduced himself as a former chair of the committee and spoke in 
opposition to the proposal, stating that the purpose of the specific plan was to 
concentrate commercial activity in the core and that there will be opportunities to build 
with C-2 zoning to the north. 
 
Laurie Smith introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
the plan raises security concerns because residential development allows people to 
monitor the streets more than with commercial development. 
 
Jeff Smith introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, highlighting that 
there is uncertainty in the final product because a different developer could come in 
later with a different proposal. 
 
Patty Farley introduced herself and spoke in support to the proposal but noted that 
there should be no gas station and that a pedestrian bridge should be constructed over 
Deer Valley Drive. 
 
Jim Farley introduced himself and spoke in support to the proposal, stating that the 
HAWK will be a great device for Mayo Boulevard and that there should be overhead 
walkways installed. 
 
Nathan Friedland introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating 
that he moved to the location to get away from the lights of Reach 11 and this proposal 
would introduce more lighting to the area, further noting that there should be no gas 
station. 
 
Connie Ahlman introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating 
agreement with many of the comments made and adding that Mayo Boulevard will 
continue to have a parking issue and that C-1 zoning would be neighborhood retail, 
rather than C-2. 
 
Andrea Remke introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
people bought homes in this area to be away from commercial growth and allow kids to 
safely walk to school, knowing the proposed site would be residential. 
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE 
Mr. Anderson stated that Black Mountain Boulevard connections to the north will be in 
the distant future, the adjacent streets are major arterials designed to handle a large 
amount of traffic, lighting limits would be in place through stipulations, and this proposal

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
October 3, 2023 
Page 5 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
will not set a precedent for additional commercial in the area, further reviewing Desert 
Ridge Marketplace traffic issues. 
 
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 
Committee Member Warren stated that the concerns raised by the community about 
commercial activity next to the school are valid and that he has traffic concerns. Mr. 
Warren further stated that it is not a good idea to put commercial activity next to a 
school and that he is not supportive of the proposal. 
 
Vice Chair Lagrave asked for clarification about the Arizona State Land Department’s 
role in the process. Mr. Grande stated that ASLD is the property owner and submitted 
an authorization to allow Vestar to apply to rezone the property. 
 
Vice Chair Lagrave stated that he does not support gasoline sales, that car washes 
should be prohibited at this location, and that 96,000 square feet is not a neighborhood 
grocery store. He further stated that if the application is approved, stipulations should be 
added to limit the size of the grocery store to 64,000 square feet, require a 50-foot 
building setback on Black Mountain Boulevard and Deer Valley Drive, and prohibit 
gasoline sales and car washes. 
 
Committee Member Bunnell provided clarification on the ASLD process for auction. 
 
Committee Member Younger stated that he hopes the shopping center would be 
moved to a different location. 
 
MOTION 
Committee Member Mark Warren made a motion to recommend denial of GPA-DSTV-
2-23-2. Committee Member Rick Nowell seconded the motion for denial. 
 
VOTE 
9-1, motion to recommend denial of GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 passed; Committee Members 
Barto, Bunnell, Israel, Kirkilas, Kollar, Nowell, Warren, Younger, and Lagrave in favor; 
Committee Member Bowser opposed. 
 
 
STAFF COMMENTS REGARDING VPC RECOMMENDATION: 
 
None.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
INFORMATION ONLY 
 
 
Date of VPC Meeting 
August 1, 2023 
Request From 
Residential 2 to 5 dwelling units per acre 
Request To 
Commercial 
Proposal 
Commercial uses 
Location 
Southwest corner of Black Mountain Boulevard and Deer 
Valley Drive 
 
 
VPC DISCUSSION: 
 
Item No. 3 (GPA-DSTV-2-23-2), Item No. 4 (GPA-DSTV-3-23-2), and Item No. 5 (Z-39-
23-2) are companion cases and were heard together. 
 
Committee Member Michelle Santoro declared a conflict of interest, bringing quorum to 
10 members. 
 
Eight members of the public registered to speak on this item, seven in opposition, one 
with questions. 
 
One member of the public registered in support, not wishing to speak. 
 
One member of the public registered in opposition, not wishing to speak. 
 
STAFF PRESENTATION 
Anthony Grande, staff, provided an overview of the process to amend the Desert 
Ridge Specific Plan and the amendment proposed by the applicant, further describing 
the proposed General Plan Land Use Map amendment and rezoning. 
 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION 
Stephen Anderson, representing the applicant with Gammage & Burnham, described 
the proposed commercial development, noting that the anchor would be a grocery store, 
described the process for development of Arizona State Land Department property and 
the City of Phoenix zoning and development process. He further described the 
proposed text change to the Desert Ridge Specific Plan, in addition to the General Plan 
Amendment and rezoning cases. 
 
QUESTIONS FROM COMMITTEE

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
August 1, 2023 
Page 2 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Committee Member Kirkilas suggested adding a prohibition on smoke shops. 
 
Committee Member Powell asked about the size of the grocery store. Mr. Anderson 
stated that the size was not defined yet. 
 
Committee Member Nowell stated a concern about light pollution from the proposed 
gas station. Mr. Anderson stated that there was interest in a gas station in their 
outreach, but they could consider shifting it south. 
 
Committee Member Younger asked if the applicant had spoken with the school 
leadership and whether electric vehicle charging would be provided. Mr. Anderson 
replied that they had recent discussions with the school leadership, but no specific 
agreements have been reached. He further stated that there would be EV charging on 
site. 
 
Committee Member Kollar asked about safety issues related to foot traffic around the 
school. Mr. Anderson replied that it was the subject of discussions with the school, 
adding that a safe crossing is going to be needed for Mayo Boulevard. Dawn Cartier, a 
member of the development team with CivTech, stated that a HAWK crossing is under 
discussion for Mayo Boulevard. 
 
Committee Member Kollar asked about a traffic study for the project, citing gridlock on 
surrounding streets. Ms. Cartier stated that the traffic study is in process, noting that 
there will be different peak times for the proposed use and the school. 
 
Chair Bowser stated that there are a lot of illegal left turns on the surrounding streets. 
 
Committee Member Dickson stated that the applicant presented to the Desert Ridge 
organization and that people in Desert Ridge want a grocery store and gas station. 
 
Committee Member Kollar asked about the presentation slides showing geographic 
limits on certain uses. Mr. Anderson replied that the graphics related to liquor licensing. 
 
Committee Member Nowell asked for clarification on the proposed prohibition on liquor 
sales. Mr. Anderson replied that it would only be prohibited as a primary use but that a 
business like the grocery story could sell liquor as an accessory use. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS 
Justin Popnoe introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
the community doesn’t have interest in a gas station or any alcohol sales at this site. 
 
Wouter Roodenburg introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, 
stating that traffic is an issue around the school in the mornings and that safety of the 
kids is a concern.

Desert View Village Planning Committee 
Meeting Summary 
GPA-DSTV-2-23-2 
August 1, 2023 
Page 3 
 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Robin Bowie introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, citing issues 
related to traffic in the area, crime, and homelessness, suggesting the commercial use 
could be located elsewhere. 
 
Dan Richards introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
residents in the area don’t want a gas station and that the volume of traffic is very high 
in the area. 
 
James Tuffin introduced himself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating that 
the neighborhood is clean and quiet because there is no commercial in the area and 
that kids going to the shopping center will be a problem. 
 
Taylor Moskovich introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, stating 
that people bought in the area with the expectation there would be no commercial uses 
and that it is a family friendly area with no need for businesses. 
 
Amanda Jane introduced herself and spoke in opposition to the proposal, noting that 
residents of Sky Crossing should be considered, even though they are not in Desert 
Ridge. 
 
Frank Soldano introduced himself and asked for more information about the size of the 
grocery store, as that would make a difference on the impact, noting he would like to 
see a gas station at this location. 
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE 
Mr. Anderson stated that the applicant team will consider all of the comments made 
and that written comments can be submitted to City staff. 
 
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 
Vice Chair Lagrave stated that the developer is going to need to work with the 
community to find solutions to many of the issues raised at the meeting. 
 
Committee Member Younger stated that the public discussion brought up an important 
issue about lighting, in addition to other issues raised.