Development Review Commission Hearing - June 27, 2024

The Development Review Commission (DRC) held a public hearing on June 27, 2024, to consider several land use applications. The meeting included approval of a consent agenda, a public hearing on the Tempe Gateway mixed-use development (which was approved 4-3), and a public hearing on the 1010 Apache student housing project (which was denied unanimously). The commission also heard public comments on both items.

Consent Calendar

• Sam's Club Tempe Marketplace – Approved.
• Warner and Hardy – Approved.
• AME Electrical Contracting Office – Approved.
• Chick-fil-A – Approved with a revised condition of approval adjusting closing time from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Golden Feet Reflexology – Approved.
• Filibertos – Approved.
• Sterling Tempe – Approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

Tempe Gateway (Item 8):

• Support: Several residents of North Tempe spoke in favor, citing the need for revitalization, increased amenities, and the developer's extensive community outreach. Julie Lynde, Darlene Justice, Kim Gaffney Loza, Lane Caraway, and others expressed support, noting the project would improve the area and that the developer had been responsive to neighborhood concerns.
• Opposition: Residents and tenants of the existing apartments voiced concerns about displacement of affordable housing, loss of existing tree canopy, lack of affordable units in the new development, and the height and density being out of character with the surrounding neighborhood. Ken Jacobson, Lori Herman, Elizabeth Stewart, and others argued the project would eliminate 487 affordable units, increase traffic, and set a negative precedent for the general plan.

1010 Apache (Item 10):

• Opposition: All three speakers (Phil Amarosi, Robert Miller, Paul Kent) opposed the project, primarily on the grounds that it would require a general plan amendment just months after the 2050 plan was approved by voters. They argued the height (21 stories) was out of character with the south side of Apache Boulevard, would set a bad precedent, and that the site's constraints make it unsuitable for such density. Some expressed support for a more modest development.

Discussion Items

Tempe Gateway (Item 8):

• Applicant Wendy Ridell presented a rezoning from R3/R4 to MU4 with a PAD overlay for a five-story, 910-unit mixed-use development on 17.22 acres at the northwest corner of Scottsdale and McKellips roads. Key features: 24,000 sq ft of commercial space, 1,625 parking spaces (1.78 per unit), 901 bicycle spaces, 25% landscaped area, and a three-phase buildout over ~10 years. The applicant emphasized consistency with the newly adopted General Plan 2050 (65 du/acre) and extensive community outreach. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including a two-year building permit timeline.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners expressed mixed views. Some supported the project for its density and potential to attract amenities, while others opposed due to loss of affordable housing, phasing risks, and displacement of 471 existing units. A motion to approve passed 4-3 (Commissioners Spears, Lloyd, Schwartz opposed). The vote was a recommendation to City Council.

1010 Apache (Item 10):

• Applicant Nick Wood presented a request for a General Plan Amendment (to allow >65 du/acre), zoning map amendment (CSS to MU4), PAD, and development plan review for a 21-story, 363-unit student housing project (946 beds) on a 1.04-acre site at the southwest corner of Rural Road and Apache Boulevard. The project included two levels of underground parking, 359 parking spaces, 390 bike spaces, and 5,000 sq ft of retail. The applicant argued the site is a “hard corner” and that the existing 65 du/acre density is infeasible due to constraints from power lines, irrigation easements, and three street frontages. Staff recommended approval at a reduced height of 15 stories (165 feet) and 235 du/acre, noting the site's challenges but citing consistency with the character of nearby student housing (10-15 stories). The applicant did not accept the reduction.
• Commission Discussion: Commissioners expressed strong concerns about amending the General Plan so soon after adoption, the height/density being out of character, and the viability of the site at any density. A motion to deny the application was made and seconded, and passed unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Tempe Gateway (Item 8): Approved 4-3 as a recommendation to City Council. Conditions include a requirement to file a building permit application within two years for Phase 1, and within three years for subsequent phases. Staff will work with the applicant to explore retention of existing trees.
• 1010 Apache (Item 10): Denied unanimously (7-0). The commission declined to recommend the General Plan amendment, zoning changes, and development plan. The applicant may revise and resubmit.
• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Meeting adjourned at the conclusion of business.