Attachment C - VPC Summary - GPA-LV-4-22-8.pdf

City of Phoenix — Formal (2023-05-03)

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City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3
rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
GPA-LV-4-22-8 
INFORMATION ONLY 
Date of VPC Meeting 
January 9, 2023 
Request From 
Residential 3.5 to 5 dwelling units per acre and 
Residential 5 to 10 dwelling units per acre 
Request To 
Mixed Use (Industrial/Commerce/Business Park) and 
Residential 15+ dwelling units per acre 
Proposed Use 
Industrial/commerce park (northern portion) and 
residential 15+ dwelling units per acre (southern portion) 
Location 
Southeast corner of 59th Avenue and Elliot Road 
VPC DISCUSSION: 
Item No. 8 (Z-75-22-8), Item No. 9 (GPA-LV-4-22-8), Item No. 10 (Z-72-22-8), Item No. 
11 (GPA-LV-5-22-7), and Item No. 12 (Z-73-22-7) were heard together. 
Four members of the public registered to speak on these item. Two of the members 
donated their time. 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION: 
Jason Morris, representing the applicant with Withey Morris PLC, introduced himself 
and the three proposed projects by IDM. Mr. Morris stated that he will provide a 
combined presentation for agenda items 8 though 12. Mr. Morris provided an overview 
of IDM, describing the Columbia Tech Center, which is owned by IDM. Mr. Morris then 
introduced Item No. 8 (Z-75-22-8), by the name of Curato, describing the site location, 
changes made to the site plan and elevations, and the proposed site plan plus 
elevations. Mr. Morris stated that 171 dwelling units are now proposed, with the primary 
access along Elliot Road. Mr. Morris described the proposed building elevations, 
renderings, site amenities, and housing plus retail trends in the area. Mr. Morris 
concluded by listing various project benefits. Mr. Morris then introduced Item Nos. 9 
(GPA-LV-4-22-8) and 10 (Z-72-22-8), by the name of Acero Laveen, describing the site 
location, development units, site plans, renderings, landscape concepts, common 
tenants in commerce parks, proposed buffering, traffic circulation, and referenced other 
developments. Mr. Morris described site amenities proposed in Development Unit 2, 
housing trends, and off-premise signage. Mr. Morris concluded by listing various project 
benefits. Mr. Morris then introduced Item Nos. 11 (GPA-LV-5-22-7) and 12 (Z-73-22-7), 
by the name of Envision Dobbins 202 West, describing the site location and how this 
ATTACHMENT C

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
development furthers the Loop 202 technology corridor. Mr. Morris described the site 
plan, project phases, renderings, common tenants in commerce parks, and provided an 
example of a common distribution facility. Mr. Morris stated that there are performance 
criteria for distribution facilities embedded in the proposed PUD Narrative. Mr. Morris 
described the project benefits and concluded by summarizing the outreach conducted 
on these cases. 
 
QUESTIONS FROM COMMITTEE: 
 
None. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS: 
 
Dan Penton stated that on case Z-75-22-8, staff was not in favor of the initial 
multifamily zoning proposed there. Mr. Penton discussed multifamily projects in the area 
and has concerns with the buildings proposed on case Z-72-22-8 due to the height, 
scale, and lack of commercial uses. Mr. Penton stated that the frontage along 59th 
Avenue that is proposed looks bad due to the building locations. Mr. Penton discussed 
a bicycle way and improving connectivity on the site. Mr. Penton has concerns with the 
proposed 
 
Phil Hertel registered to speak on these items but was disconnected during public 
comment portion. 
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE: 
 
None. 
 
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:  
 
Carlos Ortega stated that too many projects are being presented at one time by the 
applicant and feels overwhelmed. Mr. Ortega would like for applicants to present their 
projects individually instead. 
 
Rebecca Perrera would like to see refinement in the building elevations and became 
confused by the numerous projects discussed at one time. 
 
Chair Abegg would like to see more details on each case and is not supportive of 
distribution facilities as primary uses permitted in sites. Chair Abegg would like to see a 
stipulation reserving a grocery store location in the area. 
 
Mr. Morris responded that he would gladly present these cases separately in the future.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3
rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
GPA-LV-4-22-8 
INFORMATION ONLY 
 
 
Date of VPC Meeting 
February 13, 2023 
Request From 
Residential 3.5 to 5 dwelling units per acre and 
Residential 5 to 10 dwelling units per acre 
Request To 
Mixed Use (Industrial/Commerce/Business Park) and 
Residential 15+ dwelling units per acre 
Proposed Use 
Industrial/commerce park (northern portion) and 
residential 15+ dwelling units per acre (southern portion) 
Location 
Southeast corner of 59th Avenue and Elliot Road 
 
VPC DISCUSSION: 
 
Item No. 9 (GPA-LV-4-22-8) and Item No. 10 (Z-72-22-8) were heard together. 
 
Ten members of the public registered to speak on these items. Six of the members 
donated their time. 
 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION: 
 
Ben Tate, representing the applicant with Withey Morris PLC., introduced himself and 
the proposed project. Mr. Tate described the location of the site and discussed the 
initial proposal which was divided into two phases. Mr. Tate stated that the current 
version of the project has three phases, with the addition of a “casita” or multifamily 
phase along the northeastern portion of the site. Mr. Tate added that other changes 
include a significant area reduction in Phase 1 which is a mix of commercial and 
commerce park uses due to concerns from the neighbors on the scale of the flex 
buildings proposed. Mr. Tate discussed the site plans and conceptual elevations 
proposed for each phase. Mr. Tate discussed the amenities that will be provided in 
each of the units and common areas throughout the residential sites. Mr. Tate 
discussed IDM Cares, which is a non-profit arm of IDM, and the two proposed off-
premise signs. Mr. Tate provided a summary of the public outreach conducted and 
project benefits.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
QUESTIONS FROM COMMITTEE: 
 
Dean Chiarelli asked for clarification on the street improvements along Dobbins Road. 
Mr. Chiarelli described the conditions on Dobbins Road and added that he has lived in 
the area and expects more homes to be built along there. 
 
Carlos Ortega has questions about the donation from the billboards towards public 
parks in the area and wants to ensure accountability with those funds. Mr. Tate 
responded by discussing the height of the proposed multifamily units and adding that a 
total of 579 dwelling units are proposed across the PUD. Mr. Tate added that a 
maximum height of 48 feet is proposed for the billboards, which is allowed by the 
Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Tate stated that a separate account would be created for the 
funds going towards parks. 
 
Chair Abegg asked if the units in the casita product will also have private backyards. 
Mr. Tate responded that private backyards will be provided for each unit and that street 
improvements will be made on adjacent streets, including a traffic signal at the adjacent 
intersection. 
 
Chair Abegg appreciates the dressing of the poles for the billboard signs and 
discussed street improvements plus other development in the general area. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS: 
 
Patrick Nasser appreciates the changes made to the layout of the commerce park 
portion of the site, but now sees an issue with the impact from this commerce park area 
to the proposed casita development next to it. Mr. Nasser asked for the removal of the 
commerce park area from the site and wants to know the specific height of three-story 
apartments proposed. Mr. Nasser would like clarification on the number of dwelling 
units proposed across the entire PUD. Mr. Nasser stated that the density of 18.2 
dwelling units per acre is much higher than other multifamily projects in the area which 
have a density closer to 12 dwelling units per acre. Mr. Nasser stated the reducing the 
height of the multifamily from three to two stories would by default reduce the density 
and parking requirements, allowing for more open space. Mr. Nasser would also like to 
know the height of the proposed billboard signs. 
 
Gwen Kowalski appreciates the changes made to the project as she lives east of this 
development. Ms. Kowalski would like for the warehouse buildings to be re-oriented as 
to not block views of the mountains for her, and to help reduce the height further plus 
reduce semi-truck traffic in the area. Ms. Kowalski is excited about the new 
development but has concerns about the uses proposed. 
 
Kevin Joyner echoes the comments made and added that the community has 
concerns with the three stories and density proposed for the multifamily portion of the 
site. Mr. Joyner added that the billboards proposed are also of concern. 
 
Dan Penton discussed the proposed billboard locations along the Loop 202 freeway, 
noting that there are lots of these already. Mr. Penton is largely opposed to billboards, 
although the ones proposed here look better than the others that exist already and 
have a community benefits. Mr. Penton stated that these billboards would set a new 
minimum standard moving forward and would like for the angle on the displays to be

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
modified to avoid impacts to the adjacent community. Mr. Penton stated the brightness 
of the billboard signs should be reduced and turned off after 10pm. Mr. Penton stated 
that the orientation of the two larger commerce park buildings would help block noise 
from the freeway to the adjacent casita development unit. Mr. Penton stated that this 
latest proposal is a compromise. 
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE: 
 
Mr. Tate thanked the committee for the feedback provided. 
 
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:  
 
None.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3
rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
Village Planning Committee Meeting Summary 
GPA-LV-4-22-8 
 
 
Date of VPC Meeting 
March 20, 2023 
Request From 
Residential 3.5 to 5 dwelling units per acre (northern 
portion) and Residential 5 to 10 dwelling units per acre 
(southern portion)  
Request To 
Commercial / Commerce/Business Park (northern 
portion) and Residential 15+ dwelling units per acre 
(southern portion) 
Proposed Use 
Commercial / commerce/business park (northern potion) 
and residential 15+ dwelling units per acre (southern 
portion) 
Location 
Southeast corner of 59th Avenue and Elliot Road 
VPC Recommendation 
Approval, per the staff recommendation 
VPC Vote  
8-0 
 
VPC DISCUSSION: 
 
Item No. 6 (GPA-LV-4-22-8) and Item No. 7 (Z-72-22-8) were heard together. 
 
Committee member Patrick Nasser-Taylor declared a conflict of interest and left the 
meeting, brining quorum to 8 members.  
 
Thirty members of the public registered to speak on these items. Thirteen of the 
members donated their time. 
 
Staff Presentation:  
 
Nayeli Sanchez Luna, staff, presented an overview of GPA-LV-4-22-8 and Z-72-22-8. 
Mrs. Sanchez Luna discussed the location of the site, the requested zoning 
designation, the surrounding land uses, and the proposed General Plan Land Use 
Map designation. Mrs. Sanchez Luna summarized policy plans in the area and noted 
that the proposed development integrated design elements that supported the plans.  
Mrs. Sanchez Luna concluded the presentation by summarizing the staff findings, 
summarizing public correspondence, providing the staff recommendation and 
proposed stipulations. 
 
Applicant Presentation:  
 
Jason Morris, representing the applicant with Withey Morris, provided an overview of

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
the proposed cases. Mr. Morris summarized previous request that included large 
commerce park and industrial uses and noted the changes to the current proposal. Mr. 
Morris displayed Development Unit 1 and summarized the commercial and commerce 
park uses allowed on site. Mr. Morris displayed Development Unit 3 and summarized 
the multifamily project noting the setbacks, open space, and building renderings. Mr. 
Morris displayed Development Unit 2 and summarized the multifamily project noting 
the proposed height, amenities, density, and floor plans. Mr. Morris demonstrated the 
conceptual view corridor and noted the reduction in proposed height. Mr. Morris 
summarized the presentation by outlined the development standards for the proposed 
off-premise signage. 
 
Questions from the committee: 
 
None.  
 
Public Comment:  
 
Phil Hertel stated that he was opposed to the proposed density and that the open 
space requirements should be increased to fifteen percent. Mr. Hertel asked for more 
information regarding school funding. Mr. Hertel requested that the case be continued 
to the next committee meeting.  
 
Mrs. Sanchez Luna stated that Breanna Wandrych, who registered to speak, was not 
present in the attendee list. Mrs. Sanchez Luna and Chair Lina Abegg confirmed 
that Breanna Wandrych was not on the attendee list.  
 
Mark Williams requested that the proposed multifamily have a maximum of two 
stories along the easter portion of the site. Mr. Williams stated that the proposed 
height did not include the pitch of the roofs and requested a maximum height that 
would not restrict views. Mr. Williams stated that he supported medical uses but was 
opposed to the proposed density and height. Mr. Williams concluded his comment by 
stating that the conceptual views presented were deceitful.  
 
Mrs. Sanchez Luna stated that Ana Alvarado, who registered to speak, was not 
present in the attendee list. Chair Abegg requested to continue to the next public 
comment.  
 
Shaina Bontrager stated that she was opposed to the proposed density and the 
three-story height. Ms. Bontrager added that she agreed with Mark Williams’ comment 
regarding the conceptual view.     
 
Carmen Terrell stated that she was opposed to the entire PUD and would rather see 
agricultural uses like a community garden. Ms. Terrell added that the surrounding 
properties were not taken into consideration. Ms. Terrell noted that a portion of the 
housing should be low-income. Ms. Terrell concluded her comment by reiterating that 
she was opposed to the entire PUD and request the dates for the next hearings.  
 
Danielle Younkin stated that she supported Mark Williams comment regarding the 
single-story multifamily proposal, density, and height restrictions. Ms. Younkin added 
that the conceptual views presented were deceitful. Ms. Younkin requested that the 
off-premise signage have a maximum height of 30 feet. Ms. Younkin concluded her

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
comment by stating that the applicant could not guarantee certain commercial uses on 
Development Unit 1.  
 
Cassandra Gannis stated that the applicant has ignored the opposition for off-
premise signage. Ms. Gannis stated that she was opposed to the proposed three-story 
multifamily housing and requested more commercial uses.  
 
David Barrera stated that he was opposed to the proposed density. Mr. Barrera 
stated that an increase in population would lead to more crime. Mr. Barrera requested 
the multifamily development to prohibit low-income rental units or senior living 
facilities.  
 
Gwen Kowalski requested that the proposed multifamily development be reduced to 
two-stories. Ms. Kowalski noted that the proposed height would eliminate scenic 
views. Ms. Kowalski agreed with height restricts to protect scenic views. Ms. Kowalski 
supported the revenue for the off-premise signs; however, requested a maximum 
height of 30 feet and shut off time of 10:00 p.m. Ms. Kowalski requested that members 
that have a conflict of interest and that were on a school board, to remove themselves 
from the case.  
 
Josh Younkin stated that the conceptual views were disingenuous. Mr. Younkin 
stated that the conceptual view did not provide a ground level perspective. Mr. 
Younkin stated that he was opposed to the proposal.  
 
Sean Goughan stated that he was opposed to the proposed density and height. Mr. 
Goughan requested the case to be continued. Mr. Goughan added that he was 
opposed to low-income housing.  
 
Katalin Rivera stated that the proposed changes have been insufficient. Ms. Rivera 
reiterated that the conceptual view was deceitful and that scenic views will be 
obstructed. Ms. Rivera requested the case to be continued so that the applicant could 
address the community’s concerns.  
 
Mrs. Sanchez Luna stated that Andrew Norlen, who registered to speak, was not 
present in the attendee list.   
 
Mrs. Sanchez Luna stated that Felicia Chavez, who registered to speak, was not 
present in the attendee list.   
 
Maria Reagin stated that she was opposed to the PUD. Ms. Reagin requested the off-
premise signs to have a maximum height of 30 feet. Ms. Reagin requested stipulations 
to be added that would limit the type of commercial businesses allowed in 
Development Unit 1. Ms. Reagin added that she agreed with Phil Hertel’s comments 
and Mark Williams’ comments.  
 
Dan Penton stated that he supported the proposed PUD but still had some concerns. 
Mr. Penton requested three-story buildings to be located centrally. Mr. Penton noted 
that the surrounding population needed safer pedestrian pathways and areas. Mr. 
Penton added that he had concerns with traffic and requested limited commercial 
traffic. Mr. Penton requested cross sections to be modified to support a safe 
pedestrian atmosphere. Mr. Penton added that development was inevitable. Mr.

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Penton stated that he supported one off-premise sign and the proposed height. Mr. 
Penton requested the hours of operation to be reduced. Mr. Penton concluded his 
comment by requesting the applicant to address the community concerns.  
 
Carlos Ortega asked if the twelve members who donated their time to Dan Penton 
agreed with his perspective. Chair Abegg stated that members donated their time 
because they support Dan Penton’s perspective. Mr. Penton stated that he 
incorporates the community’s opinion into his public comment.  
 
Dean Chiarelli requested the applicant to clarify if the proposed height exceeded the 
current zoning designation. Mr. Chiarelli asked if the proposed off-premise signage 
height of 45 feet exceeded the allowed height in the Zoning Ordinance.   
 
Applicant Response:  
 
Mr. Morris stated that the proposed height would be allowed in the current R-2 zoning 
designation. Mr. Morris stated that off-premise signage became and allowed use when 
the freeway corridor was established by the City Council. Mr. Morris added that there 
were no other off-premise signs in the area. Mr. Morris stated that the proposed 
development includes an additional 87 units than that allowed underlying zoning 
designation. Mr. Morris added that if the proposal had a maximum height of two-
stories, then that would increase the density of the PUD. Mr. Morris stated that one- 
and two-story buildings will be located when adjacent to existing single-family 
residential uses. Mr. Morris noted that the conceptual views were taken from a height 
of 25 through 35 feet to demonstrate visibility above perimeter walls. Mr. Morris stated 
that the City Council has allowed the use of off-premise signage in the freeway 
corridor and noted that funding would benefit Laveen. Mr. Morris added that the 
proposed PUD has addressed community concerns and that the proposed uses were 
compatible with the freeway corridor. Mr. Morris noted that the development would 
also provide street improvements.   
 
Committee Discussion:  
 
Rebecca Perrera stated that she wanted to address some comments she heard 
regarding conflict of interest and school board members. Ms. Perrera stated that a 
non-salary board member does not constitute a conflict of interest.  
 
Vice Chair Stephanie Hurd requested members of the public to share their support or 
opposition before the meeting.  
 
Ms. Perrera thanked the community and the applicant for their input and stated that 
the proposal has changed since it was last presented to the community. Vice Chair 
Hurd stated that the applicant has had a lot of progress in their proposal and that it 
would benefit Laveen.  
 
Motion:  
Vice Chair Stephanie Hurd motioned to recommend approval of GPA-LV-4-22-8 per 
the staff recommendation. Jennifer Rouse seconded the motion.  
 
Vote:  
8-0-0, Motion passed with Committee Members Barraza, Chiarelli, Jensen, Ortega,

City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona  85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
Perrera, Rouse, Hurd, and Abegg in favor.  
 
Chair Abegg stated that Planning Commission hearing will be on April 13th and the 
City Council hearing on May 3rd. Chair Abegg noted that anyone who would like to 
speak can register for the next hearings.   
 
Staff comments regarding VPC Recommendation:  
None.