Attachment C - VPC Summary-Info - Z-TA-7-19-8.pdf
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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-TA-7-19-8 INFORMATION ONLY Date of VPC Meeting: March 9, 2020 Request: Amend Section 1202 (Regulating Maps) of the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance to replace the Downtown Code maps to amend density provisions and buffer alleys in an area generally bounded by 3rd Street to 5th Street, and Willetta Street to McDowell Road and amend Section 1220 (Townsend Park) to allow for a height bonus. VPC DISCUSSION: Chris Colyer recused himself, bringing the quorum to 16. Two speaker cards were submitted in favor, wishing to speak. One speaker card was submitted, wishing to speak. Brennan Ray, representing the applicant with Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A., stated that Leon Capital is a multifamily developer who is pursuing a high-quality project in an area that lends itself to density with pedestrian engagement. Mr. Ray continued that the project will have 228 residences at a density of 109 dwelling units per acre and be 85 feet tall. Mr. Ray added that the request is to amend the density map as this site is in close proximity to many amenities and Central Avenue. Mr. Ray continued that the second part of the request is to amend the buffer alley map to remove two buffer alleys because buffer alleys require a fifteen-foot setback, a five-foot landscaped area and a four-foot wall. Mr. Ray added that the plan for the site is to abandon the alley, dedicate a public utility easement and keep in open as it is now. Mr. Ray continued that the request is to allow for an increase in height via the sustainability bonus provisions in the Code. Chair Frazier Johnson asked about the unit mix and if any units will be affordable. Brennan Ray responded that he expects there to be more studios and one-bedroom apartments, and there will not be affordable units. Will Gaona asked about the parking spaces and if there will be parking in the neighborhood. Brennan Ray responded that the project will be parked to Code Attachment C City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 standards, will include two levels of parking and residents will not park in the neighborhood. Vice Chair Pearl Starks asked what is currently in use on site. Brennan Ray responded that the buildings are offices. Eva Olivas asked for clarification on what was proposed for the alley. Brennan Ray responded that they propose to abandon the alley under the proposed building, and that the alley will be used in the same way it is now with the addition of a public utility easement recorded in perpetuity along the alley. Eva Olivas asked if the applicant has talked to the neighbors. Brennan Ray responded that they have talked to the people in the area and was surprised that most of the homes were owned by investors. Zach Burns asked where the art will go. Brennan Ray responded that they propose to have gallery windows along 3rd Street to display the art. Dana Johnson asked if the art space would be air conditioned. Brennan Ray commented that that is a great suggestion. Vice Chair Pearl Starks asked if they had studied the traffic pattern in the area when it is school dismissal time. Brennan Ray replied that he will provide more information on that when the item returns for recommendation. Sean Sweat asked about the parking ratio, and if it was possible to reduce parking with the sustainability bonus provisions as most apartments build too much parking. Thomas Hoy with Leon Capital responded that they will have one space per bed with some guest parking to avoid people from parking in the neighborhood. Mr. Hoy added that they have been talking to the school across the street about some of their staff using the garage for parking. Sean Sweat commented that he is concerned about spot zoning, likes using the sustainability bonus provisions and that he would like the density designation to change to include all the properties along 3rd Street. Will Gaona asked if there would be any affordable housing units in this project, given the presentation they heard earlier by Ms. Bouchee. Brennan Ray responded that they are not considering including any affordable units. Eva Olivas asked if the applicant were to consider adding affordable housing units, if they would be beyond the normal set-aside timeframe. Brennan Ray answered that they are trying to fill the gap of market rate units as presented on by Ms. Bouchee with this project. Public Comment: Mitchell Willard with the Urban Phoenix Project asked if there was any way to achieve the proposed height without changing the Zoning Ordinance. Brennan Ray stated that the only mechanism to achieve what they need for the project is through a text amendment. City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 STAFF COMMENTS: None.