Development Review Commission Meeting - July 27, 2021

The Tempe Development Review Commission met on July 27, 2021, at 2:15 PM to elect a new chair and vice chair, approve minutes, and hear two public hearing items. The commission also approved a consent agenda containing seven routine development applications. All votes were taken by roll call.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The study session and regular meeting minutes from June 8, 2021, were approved by a vote of 5-0-2 (Chair Dominico abstained as he was not present at those meetings; Commissioner Lloyd also abstained).
• The following items were approved unanimously (7-0) as part of the consent agenda:
  • Item 5: Preliminary Subdivision Plat for Best Western Tempe (670 N. Scottsdale Road).
  • Item 7: Use Permit for karaoke at Final Round Sports Bar & Grill (5030 S. Mill Avenue, Suite D20).
  • Item 8: Use Permit for a restaurant with drive-through at Tempe Eats (85 E. Southern Avenue).
  • Item 9: Use Permit for a tobacco retailer at Gravitate Smoke Shop (7707 S. Kyrene Road, Suite 109).
  • Item 10: Use Permit for a 20% front yard setback reduction at Scoma Residence (1213 S. Wilson Street).
  • Item 11: Use Permit for expansion of massage therapy at The Neuromuscular Studio, LLC (430 W. Warner Road, Suite 110).
  • Item 12: Use Permit to allow residential use in CSS district and Development Plan Review for a new five-unit multifamily development at Kasita (605 W. Southern Avenue).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Regarding Kasita (Item 12): Tom Wright, a neighborhood resident, submitted written comments expressing concerns about parking adequacy, landscaping, lighting, stormwater drainage, and traffic sightlines at the Southern/Roosevelt intersection. Staff planner Diana Kaminski read the comments into the record and assured the commission that the development meets all requirements.
• Regarding 250 Rio (Item 4): Kathleen Iovino, a Tempe resident, submitted a comment requesting transparency on property ownership, noting that the company listed on the Maricopa County Assessor’s site is registered in Delaware. Staff responded that the property is owned by American Airlines and a portion by the City of Tempe.

Discussion Items

• Item 4: Preliminary Subdivision Plat for 250 Rio (250 W. Rio Salado Parkway): The applicant, represented by Ms. Voss of Gammage & Burnham, presented a land swap proposal with the city. Commissioner Amarosi asked about the loss of parking used for special events at Tempe Beach Park. The applicant explained that the city would retain the existing parking lot and gain additional parking in a new six-story garage for special events. The commission also discussed the historic Ash Avenue abutment and Veterans Memorial. The plat was approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 6: Use Permit for Temporary Outdoor Vending (Ghost Kitchen) – REEF Kitchens (2115 S. McClintock Drive): Applicant Kelly Milligan described the operation: a single eight-by-24-foot trailer for ghost kitchen food preparation, with hours from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, two employees per shift. Staff planner Lee Jimenez outlined conditions of approval, including repaving the rear alley, limiting delivery vehicle pickup to parallel spaces along the south side, and no sunset clause. Commissioner Schwartz expressed concerns about site logistics and potential disruption to adjacent single-family homes. Commissioner Summers questioned the permanent nature of a temporary use permit. Commissioner Lloyd noted that REEF had been a responsible operator at other Tempe locations. The use permit was approved by a vote of 6-1, with Commissioner Schwartz dissenting.

Key Outcomes

• Election: Vice Chair Dominico was elected Chair, and Commissioner Steve Bauer was elected Vice Chair, both unanimously.
• Minutes: Approved with two abstentions.
• Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
• 250 Rio Preliminary Subdivision Plat: Approved 7-0.
• REEF Kitchens Use Permit: Approved 6-1, with conditions including alley repaving and designated pickup spaces.
• Next Meeting: The next Development Review Commission meeting is scheduled for August 10, 2021, in hybrid format (in-person and WebEx), with three items on the agenda.
• Appeal Deadline: Any person aggrieved by a final decision of the commission has 14 calendar days to file an appeal to the City Council.