Attachment C - VPC Summary - Z-167-24-4.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-167-24-4
Date of VPC Meeting 
July 7, 2025 
Request From 
C-1 TOD-1
Request To 
C-2 TOD-1
Proposal 
Bar/Restaurant 
Location 
Approximately 95 feet east of the northeast corner of 2nd 
Avenue and Osborn Road 
VPC Recommendation 
Approval, per the staff recommendation 
VPC Vote 
10-0
VPC DISCUSSION: 
Two members of the public registered to speak on this item, in support. 
STAFF PRESENTATION: 
John Roanhorse, staff, provided an introduction and overview of the rezoning request, 
describing the location, general plan designation, existing and proposed zoning districts, 
and the surrounding uses. Mr. Roanhorse displayed maps, the proposed site plan and 
conceptual information to show the details of the proposed development and the 
location within the Interim Transit-Oriented Zoning Overlay District One and the Midtown 
Transit Oriented Development Policy Plan area. Mr. Roanhorse presented the project 
details noting the proposed restaurant/bar development and the adjacent residential 
character, parking, traffic flow and proposed landscape and pedestrian routes. Mr. 
Roanhorse discussed the review process, the report analysis, findings, and stipulations. 
APPLICANT PRESENTATION: 
Lauren Proper Potter, with Huellmantel & Associates, introduced herself and stated 
that she was appearing on behalf of the project team and emphasized that her 
presentation would focus on a specific portion of the site proposed for rezoning. Ms. 
Proper Potter stated the intended use is primarily a restaurant and to obtain a liquor 
license to include a bar. Ms. Proper Potter stated C-1 zoning does not permit bars and 
the C-2 designation is necessary to ensure compliance with the city code. Ms. Proper 
Potter stated that the rezoning request is limited in scope and intended to incorporate 
an adaptive reuse of two 1950 era buildings that, while not designated historic, possess 
midcentury architectural character and potential. Ms. Proper Potter displayed photos 
showing current views from Osborn Road and the interior of the site, which highlight 
ATTACHMENT C

Encanto Village Planning Committee  
Meeting Summary 
Z-167-24-4 
Page 2 of 5 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
existing conditions and the potential for revitalization. Ms. Proper Potter stated the 
design includes open space to serve as a community amenity and noted that the 
proposal has received strong support from the surrounding neighborhood and there was 
no known opposition. Ms. Proper Potter stated that they are not seeking WU (Walkable 
Urban) Code zoning designation, and the project will reflect the spirit of that form-based 
code. Ms. Proper Potter noted that because the development is adaptive reuse, the WU 
Code’s requirements for new construction are not applicable and the proposal 
incorporates key elements such as expanded landscaping, native shade trees, low 
water use features, and green water efficiency tools. Ms. Proper Potter stated the site is 
composed of three separate parcels that will function as a single lot and the rezoning 
will unify development across all three since the building on the corner is already zoned 
C-2. Ms. Proper Potter stated that without the rezoning, the adaptive reuse project 
cannot proceed, as the remaining C-1 parcel does not support the proposed restaurant 
use with a liquor license. Ms. Proper Potter noted that there was input from Committee 
Member Rodriguez, who suggested additional bicycle parking along Osborn Road. Ms. 
Proper Potter stated the site plan originally included some bicycle parking near the 
parking lot entrance but in response to the suggestion, they added three additional 
bicycle parking spaces in an accessible location to better support multimodal 
transportation. Ms. Proper Potter stated the constructive feedback was beneficial and 
they are pleased to make the modification, which supports broader city goals for Osborn 
Road improvements. Ms. Proper Potter concluded her comments and stated that the 
request is uniquely tailored and aims to revitalize an underused site through thoughtful, 
adaptive reuse.  
       
QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMITTEE: 
 
Committee Member Perez asked if the parking for the project meets the requirements 
and commented that the proposal is very promising, noting that such adaptive reuse 
projects are rare. Ms. Proper Potter responded that the parking design was developed 
in coordination with zoning requirements. Ms. Proper Potter stated the majority of the 
parking is located on the northern portion of the site, and the proposal includes the 
removal of two existing driveways as part of the redesign. 
 
Committee Member Procaccini asked if the driveway configuration would 
accommodate one-way or two-way traffic and asked whether the access width would 
allow safe two-way movement. Ms. Proper Potter responded that the driveway layout 
was designed with proximity to the intersection at 2nd Avenue. Ms. Proper Potter stated 
the site design encourages a natural flow of traffic, with vehicles entering from one side 
and exiting from another and noted the suggestion and agreed to consider adding 
directional arrows to enhance clarity and safety.  
 
Committee Member Procaccini commented that one of the site pictures includes an 
existing sign by the building’s front elevation and asked whether the signs would be 
retained. Ms. Proper Potter responded that the goal is to preserve the existing signage 
wherever possible and incorporate it into the adaptive reuse design. Ms. Proper Potter

Encanto Village Planning Committee  
Meeting Summary 
Z-167-24-4 
Page 3 of 5 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
noted that the current condition of the signs and structure would ultimately determine 
feasibility. 
 
Committee Member Picos asked if trees would be planted in the rear of the building in 
the parking lot. Ms. Proper Potter responded that with the current design, there are no 
trees in the rear area due to limited space and narrow setbacks and noted that if the 
committee desired tree placement, the development team would explore whether it 
could be accommodated. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS: 
 
Grace Duval, a resident of the 3rd Avenue Home Condominium Complex near the 
proposed site, stated support for the project. Ms. Duval said that she had lived in the 
area for three years and when she moved in, the site was occupied by an old 
unappealing shop and when it closed, she looked forward to new development but 
noted that the site had remained vacant. Ms. Duval stated that each time she saw a 
new realtor sign or paper posted on the building, she hoped it meant something would 
finally happen and expressed excitement that a project was now moving forward. Ms. 
Duval stated that she has no reservations about the proposal and as a nearby resident, 
the project reflects features she values, including walkability, light rail access, additional 
plantings, and sidewalk improvements. Ms. Duval stated the importance of wider 
sidewalks and shaded areas, especially for pedestrian safety and comfort and as a 
woman who often walks alone at night to the light rail, she stated the improved 
pedestrian conditions would be a welcomed benefit. Ms. Duval noted that summer heat 
makes walking difficult due to the lack of shade along the route to Central Avenue. Ms. 
Duval concluded by stating that the proposal appears well thought out and would be a 
valuable improvement to the community. 
 
Cole Cribari, a nearby resident, stated support for the rezoning request. Mr. Cribari 
stated that he has lived in the area since 2019 and noted that he and his neighbors 
would be most impacted by the proposal. Mr. Cribari said the property has been vacant 
since 2020 and described it as a long-standing eyesore. Mr. Cribari expressed 
enthusiasm about the potential for revitalization, particularly the proposal’s inclusion of 
an expanded sidewalk. Mr. Cribari stated that residents often cut through the parking lot 
rather than walking along the current narrow sidewalk and that added shade, and 
extended sidewalks would greatly improve pedestrian access and comfort. Mr. Cribari 
stated he welcomed the prospect of having a nearby place to gather, eat, and socialize, 
noting that the area currently lacks such amenities. 
 
APPLICANT RESPONSE: 
 
Ms. Proper Potter thanked the committee and members of the public and stated there 
were no additional comments.

Encanto Village Planning Committee  
Meeting Summary 
Z-167-24-4 
Page 4 of 5 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
 
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION:  
 
Acting Chair Wagner thanked members of the committee and public for their 
comments and closed the floor to public discussion and asked the committee to begin 
its formal discussion and consider a motion. 
 
Committee Member Perez stated the proposal was thoughtful and noted the 
importance of neighborhood outreach. Committee Member Perez asked what the 
expected hours of operation would be for the proposed business, noting that it appeared 
to be a unique and potentially active social venue. Ms. Proper Potter responded that 
the current plan is for the establishment to open around 10:00 a.m., allowing for lunch 
and brunch service on weekends and closing time would likely be around 2:00 a.m., 
though that may be scaled back on weeknights depending on activity levels. Ms. Proper 
Potter stated that Friday and Saturday nights would retain the later closing times noting 
that the goal is to create a safe, neighborhood-friendly environment and mentioned that 
her client’s other locations, such as the one on Scottsdale Road. Ms. Proper Potter 
noted this location would operate in a less intense and more community-focused way. 
Ms. Proper Potter noted that live entertainment is being considered for the outdoor patio 
space and would be limited to acoustic performances and would be addressed through 
future permitting processes. Ms. Proper Potter noted that the applicant is committed to 
being a good neighbor and expects to comply with standard noise stipulations, as 
required by the city. 
 
Committee Member Kleinman asked about the placement of the potential 
performance area within the development and if there was a stage, and where it would 
be located, and how sound would be managed. Ms. Proper Potter responded that any 
live performance area would be well-contained within the central patio space and the 
building design itself would help mitigate noise, as the stage would be positioned in front 
of a solid block structure that acts as a natural buffer. Ms. Proper Potter stated that the 
larger adjacent building and its layout would provide additional sound containment, 
helping to reduce noise impacts on surrounding properties and additional buffering 
would also be provided between the patio and parking areas. 
 
Committee Member Rodriguez stated support for the proposal and apologized that 
this process for the applicant with the City of Phoenix took so long.  
 
MOTION  
 
Committee Member Kleinman made a motion to recommend approval of Z-167-24-4 
per the staff recommendation. Committee Member Warnicke seconded the motion.

Encanto Village Planning Committee  
Meeting Summary 
Z-167-24-4 
Page 5 of 5 
 
 
City of Phoenix • Planning & Development Department 
200 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor • Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1611 • (602) 262-6882 
VOTE 
 
10-0; motion to recommend approval of Z-167-24-4 per the staff recommendation 
passes with Committee Members Doescher, Garcia, George, Kleinman, Perez, Picos, 
Procaccini, Rodriguez, Wagner and Warnicke in favor. 
 
STAFF COMMENTS REGARDING VPC RECOMMENDATIONS: 
 
None.