Attachment D - VPC REC Summary - Z-41-20-3

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
Z-41-20-3
Date of VPC Meeting 
February 1, 2021 
Request From 
C-O (Approved PAD-2 SP) (Commercial Office,
Approved Planned Area Development, Special Permit)
and PAD-2 SP (Approved PAD-2 SP) (Planned Area
Development, Approved Planned Area Development,
Special Permit) (3.19 acres)
Request To 
PUD (Planned Unit Development) (3.19 acres)
Proposed Use 
Hospital and other commercial uses 
Location 
Approximately 400 feet west of the northwest corner of 
54th Street and Shea Boulevard 
VPC Recommendation 
Approval, per the staff recommendation with two 
additional stipulations.  
VPC Vote 
10-4-2 with committee members Belous, Goodhue,
Hall, Maggiore, Mazza, Popovic, Severs, Sparks, Wise,
and Gubser in favor. Committee members Cantor,
Gerst, Mortensen and Stewart not in favor. Committee
members Balderrama and Lesher abstained.
VPC DISCUSSION:
5 speaker cards were submitted in favor, wishing to speak 
16 speaker cards were submitted in opposition, wishing to speak 
35 speaker cards were submitted in opposition, donating time to others 
Mr. David Simmons, staff, went over the request with the committee. He 
covered the existing General Plan Land Use designation on the site and 
surrounding area, the uses in the surrounding area, the height limitations 
stipulated as well as enhanced buffers abutting existing large lot residential uses 
to the north as well as the enhanced streetscape along Shea Boulevard. He also 
went over stipulation rationale with the committee.  
Mr. Alex Popovic asked about emergency vehicle operations on the site. 
Mr. Simmons shared that this is non regulatory from a zoning perspective. 
However, he shared that the applicant has written a small section into the 
development narrative that addresses this.  
Ms. Toby Gerst asked if there were other emergency rooms such as this. 
Attachment D

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Mr. Simmons shared that this is a fairly new product type.  
 
Ms. Anita Mortensen shared that she has traffic concerns.  
 
Ms. Wendy Riddell, with Berry Riddell, LLC, representing the applicant, gave an 
in depth presentation covering what she and the development team have done 
since the last public hearing including numerous phone calls to neighbors, 
meeting with Dr. Rockowitz on site and took pictures from his yard to determine 
best mitigation measures. As a result, they made the following clarifications and 
modifications:  
• The permitted uses have been modified from C-1 and hospital use to 
Commercial Office and hospital use (prohibiting stand-alone retail uses). 
• RV parking and a helistop have been added as prohibited uses. 
• Lighting standards were clearly defined, to ensure all lighting is shielded 
and light poles do not exceed 15 feet in height. 
• Added language to ensure that building colors are neutral and non-
reflective. 
• Explored additional traffic mitigation with the City of Phoenix and 
committed to making improvements required by the City. 
Ms. Riddell added that as a result of public outreach, additional landscaping has 
been added in the northern parking lot. She highlighted the enhanced building 
and landscape setbacks adjacent to residential to the north and highlighted the 
building height is well below the development standards for the underlying zoning 
designation. She proposed a stipulation that would restrict the HonorHealth 
facility from contracting with emergency service agencies, which would cut down 
in siren usage. Lighting, signage and hours of operation were also covered.  
 
Ms. Toby Gerst asked the applicant to show the hospital comparison graphic so 
she the VPC can see how close those facilities are to residential.  
 
Ms. Riddell stated that the hospital comparison graphic depicts all large hospital 
campuses and we do not know exactly how close residential is to these 
campuses but can check and get back.  
 
Vicechair Joe Lesher asked why this project couldn’t be located somewhere 
else.  
 
Ms. Riddell shared that some commercial use will be going on this site if this 
project does not move forward. She went on to say that other commercial lots in 
the area that have leases which preclude this use from going on other nearby 
sites.  
 
Mr. Alex Popovic stated that he applauds the development teams’ efforts, 
particularly in regard to public outreach. He said the efforts are commendable.  
 
Public Comment:  
 
Dr. Neal Rockowitz, residing at 5337 E Sahuaro Drive, abutting the site to the 
north, stated that the applicant is very arrogant. He shared that he any 35 of his

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
fellow neighbors, whom donated time to him to speak, have concerns about 
traffic, land use, livability of area, height, and the appropriateness of the project 
next to a residential area. He also stated that this would constitute leap from 
zoning as there should be a C-O, R-5, or some lighter zoning designation 
between residential and a use such as the one proposed. A 24/7 emergency 
center directly adjacent to residential is unacceptable. Dr. Rockowitz went on to 
discuss the history of how the area developed. He shared that he and many of 
his neighbors have a jaded view of city processes from past experiences, 
particularly the neighboring Mountainside Fitness project. He stated that a yes 
vote for this project would be misguided and wrong.  
 
Mr. Bill Christian shared that two other neighbors donated time to him. He 
shared that this proposal does not fit the character of the area. The noise, 
intensity, sirens and increased amount of traffic over time would be a detriment to 
the existing residence int eh area. He stated that there has got to be a more 
suitable place for this use.  
 
Mr. La Sota, representing 29 homeowners on the south side of Shea, shared 
that an emergency room is an emergency room, despite what size the facility is. 
This use is going to be loud and does not belong in a residential area.  
 
Mr. Bruce Beverly stated that this is the wrong use in the wrong place at the 
wrong time. He shared that commercial facilities are vacating rapidly due to 
changing market conditions. Why not move to an exiting commercial site.  
 
Ms. Sherry Brown, residing on 57th Street and Shea, stated that she is shocked 
that this is even proposed at this location as there are already several similar 
uses in the area.  
 
Ms. Tami Erdman stated that their ha been a lack of communication with the 
applicant and the notification area is not large enough. Has concerns about 
noise.  
 
Ms. Nancy Ribble shared that she has concerns about noise and increased light 
pollution.  
 
Mr. Maulik Parikg has concerns about traffic, proposed use, and character of 
area changing.  
 
Mr. Luis Lopez stated that this proposal is unique.  
 
Mr. Geno Davi shared that he is in support of the request.  
 
Mr. Doug Leventhal shared that he is in support of the proposal from two 
perspectives. It is a community amenity and the design and use are outstanding.  
 
Mr. Dan Cheyne supports the project as it is a great amenity in the 
neighborhood.  
 
Mr. Doug Heltne shared that he is in support of the project.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Ms. Julie Silverthorn has concerns about public safety and traffic.  
 
Mr. Bruce Bethancourt in in support of the proposal.  
 
Mr. Paul Katsenes is in support of the project as this is a 1st class medical 
service.  
 
Mr. Bryan Jeffries shared his support for the request.  
 
Ms. Nancy Ganz stated that one’s core beliefs reflect who they are and that is a 
good thing. We, the neighbors, have concerns about this project.  
 
Mr. Victor Felicia shared his support for the project.  
 
Applicant Response:  
 
Ms. Riddell asked a rhetorical question, why this location? Because it is needed. 
She went overt the meeting minutes from the case history on this site a sited that 
this was never intended to be open space, a park or anything other than 
commercial. She is proposing an additional stipulation that would restrict he 
facility from contracting with private emergency vehicle services, which would 
greatly reduce the number of emergency vehicle trips in and out of the site.  
 
VPC Response:  
 
Mr. Alex Popovic asked what community outreach had been conducted? He 
shared he is in support of the project.  
 
Ms. Riddell shared that they had done extensive public outreach, created a 
website and had numerous Zoom meetings.  
 
Mr. Robert Goodhue asked what could be built by tight without a rezone.  
 
Ms. Riddell shared that government buildings, group homes, churches, schools 
and other light commercial uses could be built here by right.  
 
Mr. Alan Sparks shared that the has concerns with the Mountain Side Fitness 
violations.  
 
Mr. David Simmons, staff, said that he would reach out to NSD to get a list of 
violations on the Mountain Side site.  
 
Ms. Toby Gerst shared that this project should be in a location that gets buy in 
from the community. She said the concept is fabulous, but this site is 
inappropriate. Therefore, she is not in support.  
 
Ms. Anita Mortensen stated that this site is not a good spot for this use.  
 
Ms. Jennifer Hall stated that she is conflicted with the case. She can see both 
sides of the argument. She said that this case has nothing to do with Mountain 
side Fitness next door. She shared that all of the public comment is needed and

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
appreciated. However, we must look at this from a land use perspective. She is 
in support.  
 
Ms. Kathryn Belous shared that this is a viable use for the site and is in support.  
 
Mr. Popovic stated that the lady that was struck by the car on Shea was running 
in and out of traffic and was most likely under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  
 
Ms. Mortensen wanted it to be on the record that the lady was not under the 
influence but has a disability.  
MOTION:  
Mr. Alex Popovic made a motion to recommend approval of Rezoning Case No. 
Z-41-20-3, per staff’s recommendation and two additional stipulations.  
Mr. Alan Sparks seconded the motion. 
VOTE: 
10-4-2 with committee members Belous, Goodhue, Hall, Maggiore, Mazza, 
Popovic, Severs, Sparks, Wise, and Gubser in favor. Committee members 
Cantor, Gerst, Mortensen and Stewart not in favor. Committee members 
Balderrama and Lesher abstained. 
 
Stipulations:  
 
1. 
An updated Development Narrative for the HonorHealth Outpatient Medical Center - 
Shea PUD reflecting the changes approved through this request shall be submitted to 
the Planning and Development Department within 30 days of City Council approval of 
this request.  The updated Development Narrative shall be consistent with the 
Development Narrative date stamped January 6, 2021, as modified by the following 
stipulations: 
 
 
 
a. Front Cover: Remove “HEARING DRAFT” and revise submittal date information 
on bottom of the cover page as follows:  
1st Submittal: July 29, 2020 
2nd Submittal: October 14, 2020 
Hearing Draft: January 6, 2021 
City Council adopted: TBD 
 
 
 
 
b. Add parking standards to the comparative development standards table.  
 
 
 
 
c. Add standards for the detached sidewalk in the Development Standards table as 
depicted on the landscape plan.  
 
 
 
 
d. Provide a dimensioned landscape plan depicting distance between sidewalk and 
back of curb at a 5 foot minimum, sidewalk widths at a minimum of 5 feet wide 
and landscape setbacks. Include caliper sizes of trees, number of shrubs under 
each tree, groundcover percentages in a table format on the plan. 
 
 
 
2. 
The developer shall construct all streets within and adjacent to the development with 
paving, curb, gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, streetlights, median islands, landscaping

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
and other incidentals, as per plans approved by the Planning and Development 
Department.  All improvements shall comply with all ADA accessibility standards. 
 
 
3. 
The developer shall submit a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) to the City for this 
development. No preliminary approval of plans shall be granted until the study had 
been reviewed and approved by the City. Additional off-site improvements and right-
of-way dedications may be required as identified in the approved traffic study. 
Development shall be responsible for the cost associated with these improvements 
and dedications.  
 
 
4. 
In the event archaeological materials are encountered during construction, the 
developer shall immediately cease all ground disturbing activities within a 33-foot 
radius of the discovery, notify the City Archaeologist, and allow time for the 
Archaeology Office to properly assess the materials. 
 
 
5. 
THE DEVELOPER SHALL CONSTRUCT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE 
INTERSECTION OF SHEA BOULEVARD AND 54TH STREET, AS APPROVED BY 
THE STREETS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT.  
 
 
6. 
THE OPERATOR OF THIS FACILITY SHALL NOT CONTRACT WITH EMERGENCY 
MEDICAL SERICVES (“EMS”) TO BRING PATIENTS TO THE FACILITY BY 
AMBULANCE WITH LIGHTS AND SIURENS (CODE 3) 
 
 
 
           Staff Comments:  
 
None