Tempe Development Review Commission Regular Meeting – September 24, 2024

The Development Review Commission held a regular meeting on September 24, 2024, in the evening to consider meeting minutes, a consent agenda of routine approvals, and a public hearing for a use permit (Item 4B – Brickyard on Rita). The commission approved the consent agenda unanimously, heard public testimony and deliberation on the Brickyard on Rita proposal, and voted to approve it with one commissioner dissenting.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously for the August 27 study session and regular meeting, and the September 10 study session and regular meeting.
• Items Approved En Bloc (no public comment):
  • 3A – Arizona Community Church (6,385 sq ft addition)
  • 3B – Hisco Building Addition (5,980 sq ft addition)
  • 4A – Kwik Corner Gas Station (use permits for expansion and drive-through)
  • 4C – Delgatto Residence (use permit for parking within front setback)
  • 4D – Hovan Residence (use permit for parking within front setback)
  • 4E – Cloud Culture Smoke Shop (use permit for tobacco retailer)

Public Comments & Testimony (Item 4B – Brickyard on Rita)

• Joanne Marcus (Tempe resident): Expressed concern about parking congestion on narrow Rita Lane, safety, and potential adversarial relationships over parking spaces. Stated that six bedrooms could bring more than six cars.
• John Dyster (Tempe resident): Opposed the plan as proposed, citing impractical parking solutions, risk of illegal parking on the narrow street (19 feet wide) that impedes emergency access and paratransit, and lack of sidewalks forcing pedestrians into the road.
• Robert Mathis (Tempe resident): Supported development in principle but argued six bedrooms are too many; suggested four or fewer. Highlighted existing over 30 vehicles on a 500-foot street and that the new six-home development at the entrance will add more. Asked for a realistic parking plan.
• Christian Curry (President, Tempe Micro Estates HOA): Represented 13 homes unanimously in opposition without adequate guest parking on site. Cited safety concerns: emergency vehicle access hindered (with photo evidence), residents forced to park far away and walk unlit streets, and an ADA resident requiring paratransit. Accused staff of falsely claiming no input; stated drawings were unavailable until a week before the meeting. Urged the commission to table or require revised parking.
• Applicant (Genevieve Nordia, MetroTown Development): Responded that they engaged with the community via CBAC and resident Holly Bowers on August 6, providing drawings. Argued that adding more parking would increase traffic, and the proposal strikes a balance. Emphasized walkability to ASU (within one mile) and that students are likely to use bikes or scooters, aligning with Tempe's vision for walkable neighborhoods.

Discussion Items

• Item 4B – Brickyard on Rita (1432 S. Rita Lane): Request for a use permit to allow a second-story addition and three use permit standards to reduce front, side, and rear setbacks. The three-story, 6-bedroom single-family dwelling (zoned R4 multifamily) includes a triple garage and three off-street guest spaces. Staff (Chris Jasper) presented that the proposal meets all criteria, incorporates design elements from nearby developments, and provides obscure glazing to protect privacy. Two letters of opposition and one letter of support (with parking concerns) were received. A sidewalk stub must be coordinated on the property. Commissioner questions addressed permit parking enforcement (residents can report violations), sidewalk connectivity (only required on this lot), and street lighting (can be requested).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Item 4B – Brickyard on Rita: Motion to approve by Commissioner Spears, seconded by Commissioner Richter. Approved 6–1, with Commissioner Lloyd dissenting. No additional conditions beyond standard conditions.
• Meeting Adjourned: No specific time noted; next regular meeting scheduled for October 8, 2024.