Luke AFB Comments

City of El Mirage — Regular Meeting (2020-12-01)

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND

2 October 2020

Mr. Christopher Toale

Director, Community Initiatives Team
56th Fighter Wing

14185 West Falcon Street

Luke AFB AZ 85309-1629

Mr. Jose A. Macias

City of El Mirage Community & Development Services
10000 N. El Mirage Rd

E] Mirage AZ 85335

Re: PZ20-09-21; Oakridge Farms (previously FIG Greenway & Dysart) (APN 501-33-987 &
501-33-988)

Dear Mr. Macias

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments to the Conditional Use Permit
Amendment for the proposed residential project Oakridge Farms (previously FIG Greenway &
Dysart). The site is located on 8 acres at the southeast corner of Greenway Road and Dysart
Road, in El Mirage AZ. The request is for an increase from the previously agreed upon 180
multi-family units to 194 units for a density of 24 du/ac. The site is located 0.9 miles outside the
1988 JLUS 65 Ldn, “high noise or accident potential zone” as identified by A.R.S. § 28-8461
and is within the “territory in the vicinity of a military airport” also defined by A.R.S. § 28-8461.

In an effort to promote a more compatible co-existence Luke AFB follows the guidelines
in the Graduated Density Concept (GDC). The GDC proposes, in the absence of a more
restrictive state, county or municipal general or comprehensive plan, graduating densities away
from the 65 Ldn as follows: a maximum of 2 du/acre from the 65 Ldn to 1/2 mile, a maximum
of 4 du/acre from 1/2 to 1 mile, and a maximum of 6 du/acre from 1 to 3 miles. Oakridge Farms
with a density of 24 du/ac does not fall within these guidelines. However, the City of El Mirage
requested that Luke AFB utilize the boundaries of Dysart Rd, Greenway Rd and Grand Ave
within the 2 to 1 mile band of the GDC to calculate the entire GDC. Since the remaining band is
fully developed, excluding parcels 501-33-984, 501-33-986 & 501-33-009Z which are zoned for
commercial, Luke AFB concurs that utilizing the entire band is acceptable to meet overall GDC
guidelines. By completing this parcel as proposed, the City of El Mirage guarantees the overall
density within the 235 acre agreed upon parcel will not increase residentially any further and will
remain within the guidelines of the GDC. Given that stipulation, Oakridge Farms will not
negatively impact the flying operations at Luke AFB.

If this development is approved, we recommend you review the sound attenuation
requirements found in A.R.S. § 28-8482. In addition, a strong notification program on the part
of the applicant would be essential to inform potential residents about Luke AFB operations.

If you have any questions, please contact my Planning Manager, Mr. Mark James at
(623) 856-9981.

Sincerely
CHRISTOPHER P. TOALE

ce:
Colonel Luke B. Casper, Vice Commander, 56th Fighter Wing
Ms. Cindy L. Allen, GS-13, General and Environmental Law Attorney, 56th Fighter Wing