Attachment C - VPC Summary - Z-90-22-4.pdf

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-90-22-4
Date of VPC Meeting 
March 6, 2023 
Request From 
R1-6 
Request To 
R4-A 
Proposed Use 
Multifamily Residential 
Location 
Approximately 420 feet north of the northwest corner of 
18th Place and Thomas Road 
VPC Recommendation 
Approval, per staff recommendation with a modification 
VPC Vote 
17-0
VPC DISCUSSION: 
3 members of the public registered in support, wishing to speak.  
6 members of the public registered in opposition wishing to speak. 
5 members of the public registered in opposition not wishing to speak. 
 At this time, Members Coates and Cothron joined the meeting bringing the quorum to 
17 members (9 being required for a quorum). 
STAFF BACKGROUND PRESENTATION 
Mr. Nick Klimek, staff, provided an overview of the request including the location, 
existing and proposed zoning districts, and surrounding land uses. Mr. Klimek displayed 
the site plan and elevations for the multifamily project and described community input 
received. Mr. Klimek shared the staff findings and stated that staff recommends 
approval, subject to stipulations. Mr. Klimek further noted that the Street Transportation 
Department has requested a technical correction to Stipulation No. 5 and therefore 
requested the following language be substituted: 
“The developer shall dedicate right-of-way to construct a 50-foot right-of-way 
radius cul-de-sac if reconstructed as depicted on the site plan dated November 
09, 2022, as approved by the Planning and Development Department.” 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION 
Ms. Jennifer Boblick, with Sender and Associates, representing Brinshore and Save 
the Family, introduced herself and provided an overview of the request.  
ATTACHMENT C

Encanto Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
March 6, 2023 
Page 2 of 8 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Mr. Scott Puffer, with Brinshore, introduced himself and provided an overview of the 
organization which is working in partnership with Save the Family. Mr. Puffer explained 
the development will be called Phoenix Scholar House and will include programming 
that supports single parent households with an emphasis on educational access. Mr. 
Puffer stated that Brinshore’s residential design includes one, two and three-bedroom 
units that accommodate a range of income levels.  
      
Jennifer Boblick stated that the Phoenix Scholar House design is appropriate for R-4A 
zoning which allows for flexibility in density. Ms. Boblick stated that the site 
accommodates existing traffic flow and can connect to utility connections. Ms. Boblick 
stated the development will have 56 units and be 4 stories and 48 feet in height and will 
not be a group home.  Ms. Boblick stated that traffic on 18th Street will be minimal, and 
a helicopter notification will be provided to potential residents.  
 
Scott Puffer stated Phoenix Scholar House will consist of two buildings and will seek 
green building certification as part of the design. Mr. Puffer mentioned the project is 
within the Creighton School District and will provide additional housing opportunities for 
students and faculty. Additional information on the Phoenix Scholar House can be found 
at https://phoenixscholarhouse.org/  
  
Maria Wilson, a graduate of the Scholar House in Louisville, KY in 2011, shared 
information on the program’s activities for single parent households. Ms. Wilson stated 
that Family Scholar House, a similar project provided support and assistance to help her 
graduate from college. Ms. Wilson stated the program fosters participants to help others 
in similar social and economic conditions. Ms. Wilson said she serves as an affiliate 
director of Family Scholar House and thanked the Committee.       
 
QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMITTEE 
Committee Member Rick Mahrle asked what prevents this development from being 
another apartment complex and what is the connection between the program and 
building. Mr. Puffer stated there is a pre-residential program where residents in the 
educational program must attend school.  Mr. Puffer stated that Phoenix Scholar House 
will be co-owned by Save the Family to ensure it will be affordable for residents. 
 
Vice Chair Rodriguez questioned the stipulations and why there is a building height 
adjustment.  Mr. Klimek, staff, stated an adjusted building height to 30 feet would be 
more conducive to the surrounding area. Vice Chair Rodriguez asked about the 
enhanced north landscape setback and how they are not meeting the current setback.  
Mr. Klimek, staff, stated that added trees would reduce the heat island effect. Vice 
Chair Rodriguez asked about changing the cul-de-sac as part of the project design. 
Mr. Klimek, staff, stated that a 50-foot right-of-way is needed to allow a truck to turn 
around. Ms. Boblick mentioned that redeveloping the cul-du-sac as part of the 
development would accommodate traffic access and maneuvering for service to the 
site. Vice Chair Rodriguez inquired about the aircraft related disclosure and why this is 
needed for the development. Mr. Klimek, staff, stated this is a standard notification

Encanto Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
March 6, 2023 
Page 3 of 8 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
when there is a known nuisance in the area and is not intended to be a restrictive 
stipulation.  
 
Committee Member Matthew Jewett asked about the period the project would remain 
affordable based on its funding source. Mr. Puffer stated the development will remain 
affordable for up to 40 years. Committee Member Jewett asked about the density of 
the project. Ms. Boblick stated that the proposed density would be consistent with the 
General Plan. Committee Member Jewett asked if the traffic light at 18th Place and 
Thomas could be adjusted for access to 18th Place. Mr. Klimek, staff, stated this is not 
an option.   
 
Committee Member Paul Benjamin asked is there any history of affordable housing 
turning to for-profit apartments. Mr. Puffer stated some Family Scholar Houses, and the 
majority of similar projects have affordability covenants that extend up to 30 years and 
Brinshore has not sold any properties.  
 
Committee Member Aaron Searles asked if 24 units would be affordable and the 
others would be at market rate. Mr. Puffer stated that 24 units would be available at 
various income rates for residents. Committee Member Searles asked how this project 
will include sustainability. Mr. Puffer stated that solar panels will be on the covered 
parking.   
 
Chair Wagner asked about the number of trips that would prompt a traffic study.  Ms. 
Boblick stated the City reviews traffic flow rates and the Transportation Department has 
reviewed the request in addition to a previous study for Phoenix Children’s Hospital.  
 
Committee Member Steve Procaccini asked about the shade trees west of the 
property. Mr. Klimek stated there is a setback for trees and solar panels will be on the 
covered parking this will reduce heat on the site. Mr. Klimek expressed that the 
Committee may also add stipulations. Committee Member Procaccini asked about 
site lighting that might affect adjacent properties and if the applicant owns the parcels. 
Mr. Puffer stated they have a purchase contract for the parcels. Committee Member 
Procaccini asked if the zoning stipulation would stay with the property. Mr. Klimek, 
staff, stated the stipulations noted are not connected to any individual owners. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS 
Mr. Jay Mann introduced himself as the Chief of Business Operations and 
Development for Creighton School District and stated the school is experiencing 
declining enrollment. Mr. Mann expressed that neighborhoods are developed and there 
is no affordable housing projects like the Phoenix Scholar House with educational 
access and preparation for residents. Mr. Mann stated the school district also has a 
close relationship to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and that the district supports this 
project.  
 
Mr. Billy D. Reins introduced himself as the Pastor of the Church that owns the 
property. Mr. Reins stated that he liked the project and supports its mission. Mr. Reins

Encanto Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
March 6, 2023 
Page 4 of 8 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
expressed that the congregation supports Phoenix Scholar House and they have a 
good record.   
 
Ms. Bobbie Novak introduced herself as the President of Avalon Neighborhood 
Association, where she has served for over 2 years. Ms. Novak stated she has 
reviewed the General Plan, Encanto Planning Goals, The Housing Plan and the 
Piestewa Parkway Plan. Ms. Novak said she likes the stipulations that have been 
prepared and the R4-A zoning is a very specific type of rental community. Ms. Novak 
stated that there is no incentive to keep the neighborhood nice and the project does not 
bring in any new services. Ms. Novak expressed that the zoning exceeds the population 
allowance and the project is not close to light rail. Ms. Novak stated that there are no 
parks or green space in the area and the bus stops are not safe. Ms. Novak stated the 
Avalon Neighborhood has a higher crime rate and there is a higher number of 
registered sex offenders who live in the area. Ms. Novak expressed that the proposed 
zoning is not appropriate for the location in Avalon and requests for a no vote from the 
Committee.  
 
Mr. Kirk Cheney introduced himself as a resident of Rose Court senior living, and 
stated he has deep respect for the Phoenix Scholar House but oppose the project 
because it places residents at risk. Mr. Cheney said he disagrees that the project is 
consistent with the Encanto Character Plan and is not compatible with the existing 
residential area. Mr. Cheney said the Rose Court residents walk outside and enjoy the 
area and a four-story building would be obstructive. Mr. Cheney said the number of 
residential units should be reduced and increased traffic will be a danger for the Rose 
Court residents. Mr. Cheney stated he supports a traffic study since traffic has 
increased in the area.    
 
Ms. Chari Palomino introduced herself as the President of the Casa Tomas HOA. Ms. 
Palomino stated a traffic study is needed because traffic has increased with Phoenix 
Children’s Hospital and there are many ingress/egress points along Thomas Road. Ms. 
Palomino mentioned that residents have been in car accidents since the construction of 
the Starbucks. Ms. Palomino stated she has concern about the sewer line on the site 
and that the zoning request should be denied. 
  
Mr. James O’Donnell introduced himself as a resident of Casa Tomas Court and has 
concerns about the increased traffic and a study should be done. Mr. O’Donnell echoed 
the concerns of Ms. Palomino regarding increased traffic and safety in the area.   
 
Ms. Kimberly Gateb introduced herself as a resident on Pinchot Avenue and stated the 
proposed zoning is not appropriate for this area. Ms. Gateb shared that the site is not 
sustainable and has no access to public transportation. Ms. Gateb stated that Phoenix 
Scholar House is a good program but would be better in another location and supports 
a no vote.  
 
Mr. Cory Fetter introduced himself as a resident in Casa Tomas Court. Mr. Fetter 
stated he likes the Phoenix Scholar House but opposes rezoning for several reasons 
including impacts to infrastructure and emergency access to the area. Mr. Fetter stated

Encanto Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
March 6, 2023 
Page 5 of 8 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
that the project alters the character of the neighborhood and would negatively impact 
the area. Mr. Fetter stated he has concerns with the applicant not having secured 
funding for the project.  
 
Mr. Anthony Perez stated thank you, to the Committee for making recommendations 
and supports Phoenix Scholar House.  
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE 
Mr. Scott Puffer stated he appreciates and respects the Committee’s comments. Mr. 
Puffer said Phoenix Scholar House will be maintained and Brinstone builds quality 
projects to become part on the community where they are located. Mr. Puffer stated he 
would participate in a traffic study and would welcome the chance to make 
improvements. Mr. Puffer stated that emergency services will be available for Phoenix 
Scholar House and the adjacent residents.  
  
Ms. Jennifer Boblick mentioned that 18th Place has businesses not residences and 
that Rose Court is at the end of the street and is zoned R-5 which is compatible with 
multifamily development. Ms. Boblick stated that the project will provide additional 
services to the community.   
 
FLOOR/PUBLIC DISCUSSION CLOSED: MOTION, DISCUSSION, AND VOTE 
 
Committee Member Thacker asked what opponents would like to achieve with a traffic 
study in the neighborhood and noted there are many driveways on Thomas Road. Ms. 
Bobbie Novak stated the goal of a study is to get assistance for the roadway between 
16th Street to AZ State Route 51 including the on-off ramp. Ms. Novak stated the 
volume of traffic has increased and she does not see a solution. Ms. Novak stated the 
traffic light on Thomas Road has no functional purpose and a traffic study would assist 
with solutions and identify the proper zoning.  
 
Committee Member Thacker stated the existing traffic volume is about 2000 trips per 
day or more and increased traffic will not create a greater impact in terms of safety. Ms. 
Novak stated this project will greatly reduce safety and fatalities will increase in the 
neighborhood. Ms. Novak stated there has been resistance to getting a traffic study 
done in the neighborhood and the R-4 zoning is intended for residents to have minimum 
involvement in the community’s activities.  
  
Vice Chair Rodriguez stated that the concern with fatalities and walkability is important 
and would like to get more feedback from other Committee Members. Vice Chair 
Rodriguez stated a traffic study may have a limited impact, but Vision Zero needs to be 
part of the discussion. Vice Chair Rodriguez stated the Committee needs to look a data 
driven solutions when discussing traffic and design and the biggest impact will be 
fatalities. Vice Chair Rodriguez stated data driven solutions have been proven to work 
but there have been challenges with the Street Department for decades. Vice Chair 
Rodriguez stated there is a bus stop less than a quarter mile from the project location 
and the site is overparked. Vice Chair Rodriguez expressed that Phoenix Scholar

Encanto Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
March 6, 2023 
Page 6 of 8 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
House residents will be single parents and there will not be a high volume of traffic. Vice 
Chair Rodriguez stated her concern that issues of character have been raised and she 
understands exclusionary zoning and single-family housing, and this is not going to 
work. Vice Chair Rodriguez stated increased density is going to be less impactful on the 
environment and needs to be a consideration for this development. Vice Chair 
Rodriguez stated anything beyond that is NIMBY, which is based on racist and class 
ideology and the Committee is making decision for people that may or may not be 
primarily white and this is disingenuous.  
 
Committee Member Randy Schiller asked about the placement of the buildings and 
the 50-foot setback. Mr. Klimek, staff, stated the stipulations will run with the land, and 
the setback for the north and west will remain in place. Committee Member Schiller 
stated he likes that the setbacks would remain, and the project may impact nine homes 
to the west and five homes to the north. Mr. Klimek, staff, stated this information 
appears to be correct.     
 
Committee Member Brent Kleinman stated that no motion has been created and 
asked if there is a motion. Chair Wagner asked for a motion. 
  
MOTION   
Committee Member Paul Benjamin motioned to recommend approval of Z-90-22-4 
per the staff recommendation with the technical correction to Stipulation No. 5 as 
presented by staff. Committee Member Thacker seconded the motion.  
 
DISCUSSION 
Committee Member Thacker stated he agrees with Vice Chair Rodriguez on the Vision 
Zero piece and empathizes with the neighborhood regarding safety and walkability.  
 
Committee Member Aaron Searles stated he really wants to have affordable housing 
but with 35 letters of opposition he has concern and Phoenix is increasing in traffic and 
he empathizes with them. Committee Member Searles echoed Vice Chair Rodriguez’s 
point on density and how it affects many communities. Committee Member Searles 
stated the Character Plan does address affordable housing options for growth and 
investment and Phoenix Scholar House is a great project.   
 
VOTE 
17-0-0; motion to recommend approval of Z-90-22-4 per the staff recommendation with 
a technical correction to Stipulation No. 5 passes with Committee Members Benjamin, 
Bryck, Coates, Cothron, George, Jewett, Kleinman, Mahrle, Matthews, Picos, 
Procaccini, Schiller, Searles, Tedhams, Thacker, Rodriguez and Wagner in favor. 
 
Committee Member Thacker stated that the neighbors have been heard and he cares. 
 
Vice Chair Rodriguez stated she would like a note added for the Planning Commission 
that the staff recommendations are burdensome.

Encanto Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
March 6, 2023 
Page 7 of 8 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
STAFF COMMENTS REGARDING VPC RECOMMENDATION & STIPULATIONS: 
No staff comments.  
 
1. 
The development shall be limited to a maximum height of 30 feet within 50 feet 
of the north and west property lines.  
 
 
2. 
A minimum 15-foot-wide landscape setback with two offset rows of minimum 
2-inch caliper shade trees shall be placed 20 feet on center or in equivalent 
groupings along the north property line exclusive of the areas within 10 feet of 
a public utility, as approved by the Planning and Development Department.  
 
 
3. 
An 8-foot-wide average landscape setback with minimum 2-inch caliper shade 
trees shall be placed 20 feet on center or in equivalent groupings along the 
east property line, as approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
 
 
4. 
The developer shall incorporate bicycle infrastructure as described below and 
as approved by the Planning and Development Department. 
 
 
 
a. 
Bicycle parking shall be provided at a minimum of 0.25 spaces per unit 
and located either near the primary entrance to the building or within 
the building. If outside, the bicycle parking shall be in secure facilities or 
be installed per the requirements of Section 1307.H of the Phoenix 
Zoning Ordinance. 
 
 
 
 
b. 
One bicycle repair station shall be provided and maintained by the 
developer in an area of high visibility to residents. 
 
 
5. 
The developer shall dedicate right-of-way to construct a 50-foot RIGHT-OF-
WAY radius cul-de-sac if reconstructed as depicted on the site plan dated 
November 09, 2022, as approved by the Planning and Development 
Department. 
 
 
6. 
The developer shall construct all streets within and adjacent to the 
development with paving, curb, gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, streetlights, 
median islands, landscaping, and other incidentals, as per plans approved by 
the Planning and Development Department. All improvements shall comply 
with all ADA accessibility standards. 
 
 
7. 
If determined necessary by the Phoenix Archaeology Office, the applicant 
shall conduct Phase I data testing and submit an archaeological survey report 
of the development area for review and approval by the City Archaeologist 
prior to clearing and grubbing, landscape salvage, and/or grading approval. 
 
 
8. 
If Phase I data testing is required, and if, upon review of the results from the 
Phase I data testing, the City Archaeologist, in consultation with a qualified 
archaeologist, determines such data recovery excavations are necessary, the

Encanto Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
March 6, 2023 
Page 8 of 8 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
applicant shall conduct Phase II archaeological data recovery excavations. 
 
 
9. 
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. 
 
 
10. 
Prior to preliminary site plan approval, the landowner shall execute a 
Proposition 207 waiver of claims form. The waiver shall be recorded with the 
Maricopa County Recorder's Office and delivered to the City to be included in 
the rezoning application file for record. 
 
 
11. 
The property owner shall record documents that disclose the existence, and 
operational characteristics of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to future owners or 
tenants of the property. The form and content of such documents shall be 
according to the templates and instructions provided which have been 
reviewed and approved by the City Attorney. 
 
 
12. 
The property owner shall record documents that disclose the existence, and 
operational characteristics of helipads at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and 
Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital to future owners the property. Additionally, 
lease documents shall explicitly disclose this information to future tenants of 
the property.