Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

The Tempe Development Review Commission met on September 12, 2023, to approve meeting minutes and a consent agenda item for a new restaurant, Bubba’s 33. The meeting also included announcements from commission members and city staff. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes (August 22, 2023): Approved unanimously, with Commissioner Redman abstaining. - Bubba’s 33 – Use Permit and Development Plan Review: A request for a Use Permit to exceed 125 percent of the minimum required parking and a Development Plan Review for a new 7,743 square-foot restaurant at 1730 West Ranch Road, applicant GreenbergFarrow. Approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda with no public comment or discussion. Commission and Staff Announcements - Commissioner Forte announced a Keep Tempe Beautiful cleanup at Tempe Town Lake North on Saturday, September 23, 2023. - City staff announced a joint meeting with the City Council on September 19, 2023, at 4 p.m. at the Omni. Key Outcomes - The meeting minutes from August 22, 2023, were approved (unanimous with one abstention). - The consent agenda, including the Bubba’s 33 project, was approved unanimously. - The meeting was adjourned.

The Development Review Commission (DRC) held a public hearing on August 22, 2023, to consider multiple land use applications, including rezoning and development plan reviews. The meeting began with approval of prior minutes and a consent agenda covering seven items. The main discussions focused on the municipal rezoning of 1st & Farmer Avenue (item 8) and the proposed 28-story mixed-use development at 211 East 7th Street (item 9). Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously: Items 2 (Smart Move use permit), 3 (Markulis Residence parking), 4 (Gopal Residence parking), 5 (Tempe Municipal Operations Center Phase 2), 6 (Resale Therapy second-hand store), 7 (The Buzzed Goat Coffee drive-through), 10 (955 East Mixed-Use), and 11 (Apache Square). Public Comments & Testimony - Item 8 – Municipal Rezoning of 1st & Farmer: - Darlene Justice (Tempe resident) expressed strong support for preservation of the Gonzalez Martinez House (Tempe’s second-oldest adobe structure) and asked about long-term ownership and conservation easement details. - Tom Brown (46-year Tempe resident) opposed the rezoning, arguing that the proposed 550 units and 210-foot height on a narrow, constrained site are out of scale with the neighborhood and that no design was presented. He urged the commission to deny the request. - Robert Moore (Tempe resident) supported preservation but emphasized the need for public control of the historic house footprint and long-term protection of the adobe structure. - David Sokoloski (Tempe resident) supported the rezoning, stating that the city needs more housing to support downtown jobs and that density is appropriate near transit. - Item 9 – 211 East 7th Street: - Trevor Barger (Tempe resident, 20-year member of Newman Center) supported the project, noting the need for residential development downtown and the pedestrian-friendly location. He highlighted the developer’s positive relationship with the neighboring Newman Center. - David Sokoloski (Tempe resident) again spoke in favor of building more housing with minimal land use. Discussion Items - Item 8 – Municipal Rezoning of 1st & Farmer (PL230127): - The applicant (Huellmantel & Affiliates) presented a history of the Farmer Arts District and the proposed rezoning of a 3.6-acre site from General Industrial (GID) to Mixed-Use High Density (MU-4) with a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay. The plan includes a maximum of 550 dwelling units, a building height of 210 feet, zero setbacks on most sides, and a parking reduction to 0.6 spaces per unit. The applicant committed to preserving the historic Gonzalez Martinez House in place, with a conservation easement and future listing on the Tempe Historic Property Register. - Staff (Ryan Levake) explained that the current request is only for zoning changes; a future major development plan review will require a second public hearing, including a neighborhood meeting, historic preservation commission review, and city council action. The site will also include an 18-foot multi-use pathway. - Commissioners discussed the process, noting that the design has not yet been prepared and will come back for full review. Commissioner Spears moved to approve, emphasizing that the city has already entered into a development agreement and this is a zoning change only. The motion passed unanimously. - Item 9 – 211 East 7th Street (PL220305): - The applicant (Berry Riddell) presented a 28-story, 380-unit market-rate residential tower with 3,011 sq ft of ground-floor commercial space on a 0.61-acre site. The building height is 314 feet to the top of mechanical screen (287 feet to parapet). Parking is provided at 303 spaces (slightly below the required 306). The project includes a new facade material (prefabricated STO panel system) in response to earlier DRC feedback, and the building height was reduced by one story from the initial proposal. - Staff (Lily Drosos) confirmed that the project meets general plan density and is subject to conditions including archaeological sensitivity, safety measures at the garage exit, and pedestrian safety improvements. - Commissioners expressed concerns about the building’s height, the lack of light on three sides due to adjacent buildings, the close proximity (10 feet) to the neighboring Atmosphere building, and the plainness of the facade. Several commissioners also doubted the claim that the development would not house students. Commissioner Cassano moved to approve with staff conditions; the motion passed 4-3 (Commissioners Spears, Redman, and Schwartz dissenting). Key Outcomes - Item 8 – Municipal Rezoning of 1st & Farmer: Approved unanimously by the commission. The recommendation will go to city council for hearings on September 7 and September 28, 2023. The applicant must still process a future major development plan review, which includes a second public hearing and amendment to the PAD. - Item 9 – 211 East 7th Street: Approved by a vote of 4-3. The decision is final unless appealed to city council within 14 calendar days. The project will be subject to staff conditions of approval. - Consent Agenda: All items approved unanimously. - Minutes: Approved unanimously. - Announcements: The next DRC meeting (September 12, 2023) has a light agenda; a joint city council and commission meeting is scheduled for the following week at the Tempe History Museum starting at 4 p.m.

The Development Review Commission held a regular meeting on August 8, 2023, at 2:15 PM (MST). The meeting included the election of a new chairperson, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a consent agenda covering four items. No public testimony was offered, and all actions were taken unanimously. Consent Calendar - Item 4: Appeal of a staff decision to deny a Minor Development Plan Review for a building repaint at Mandi House Restaurant (1639 East Apache Boulevard). Approved. - Item 5: Development Plan Review for Hayden Residences, a proposed two-story, 13-unit single-family development on 0.66 acres at 1916 East Hayden Lane. Approved. - Item 6: Use Permit for temporary outdoor vending (food truck establishment) for Chef Peter’s BBQ at 1858 East Apache Boulevard. Approved. - Item 7: Use Permit for a massage establishment for First Class Reflexology at 1938 East University Drive. Approved. Key Outcomes - Election of Chairperson: Commissioner Johnson was elected Chair and Commissioner Schwartz was elected Vice Chair by a unanimous motion (moved by Commissioner Spears, seconded by Commissioner Cassano). - Approval of Minutes: The study session and regular meeting minutes from July 25, 2023, were approved (moved by Commissioner Cassano, seconded by Commissioner Spears); Commissioners Lloyd and Tom abstained as they were not present at those meetings. - Consent Agenda: The four items listed above were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda (moved by Commissioner Cassano, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd). - Announcements: Commissioner Spears welcomed new member Commissioner Tom and thanked outgoing Development Director Steve Abrahamson for his service. Staff reminded the commission of a lengthy agenda scheduled for August 22, 2023, and encouraged early review of materials.

The Development Review Commission held a regular meeting on July 25, 2023, at 2:00 PM. The meeting included approval of previous meeting minutes, two consent agenda items, and a second hearing on the Tempe Tomorrow General Plan 2050 update. The commission heard extensive public comments and voted to recommend the General Plan to the City Council. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Item 1): Minutes from the May 23, 2023 study session and regular meeting were approved 6-0. Minutes from June 13, 2023 (study session and regular meeting) were approved 4-0 with Commissioners Schwartz, Corbett, and Cassano abstaining. Minutes from June 27, 2023 were approved 6-0. - Use Permits (Items 2 and 3): A use permit for front, side, and rear yard setbacks for Valentine-Frances (1309 N. Frances St.) and a use permit for a massage establishment for Radiant Being LLC (9655 S. Priest Dr., Suite 102) were approved unanimously as part of the consent agenda, 7-0. No public speakers requested to be heard on these items. Public Comments & Testimony - General Plan 2050 (Item 4): Over 30 speakers attended, with 28 speaking in person and 3 online. Many expressed concerns about high density, loss of neighborhood character, insufficient open space, and strain on infrastructure. Speakers opposed high-density designations in areas such as Danelle Plaza, Southern Avenue, and along transit corridors. Some advocated for preserving historic properties and cultural resource areas. Others supported higher density to address housing affordability and sustainability, citing the need for more units, reduced car dependency, and better transit viability. Notable speakers included: - David Duarone (65-year resident): Opposed high density, urged preservation of Tempe's character. - Robert Miller: Concerned about open space per capita and walkability. - Shireen Lerner (TAG member): Asked for more balance between growth and neighborhood protection. - Ann Till (2050 working group): Supported lower density at Danelle Plaza, opposed unlimited density downtown. - Jason Adams: Supported missing middle housing and mixed-use development. - Darlene Justice: Highlighted North Tempe's diversity, asked for higher density along Hayden Road. - Lisa Zyrich: Concerned about city services and ignoring character area plans. - Katie Bolligitz: Supported lower density, referenced Bethesda, MD as a cautionary example. - Karen Gittless (Tempe Bicycle Action Group): Supported higher density for active transportation and sustainability. - Robert Moore (read letter from Sean Downey of Yucca Taproom): Supported balanced development at Danelle Plaza, emphasized historic preservation. - Trevor Mazuski: Supported higher density near light rail and Apache Boulevard. - Jack Ketchum: Supported the original higher density to address housing crisis. - Jonan Anderson: Young professional feeling excluded by high housing costs, asked for more affordable options. - Roberta Neil Miller (Brentwood Cavalier Neighborhood Association): Opposed high density at Danelle Plaza, wanted to preserve local arts. - Online speakers Katie Jensen Ward, Marlene Bigay, and Elizabeth Stewart (read into record) echoed concerns about density, preservation, and infrastructure. Discussion Items - General Plan 2050 Update (Item 4): Staff presented revisions since the June 27 hearing, including a new mixed-use low moderate category (up to 25 dwelling units per acre), added cultural resource areas (e.g., Papago Park View neighborhood), and strengthened sustainability language. The plan also updated population projections based on MAG data. Staff emphasized the plan does not rezone but guides future land use. Water resources and open space were addressed by city staff. Commissioners discussed specific parcels, such as the northwest corner of Baseline and Kyrene, and the 20-minute city concept. The plan includes 26 elements plus a new Climate Change and Extreme Heat element. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: All three sets of minutes were approved with varying abstentions. - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - General Plan 2050 Recommendation: The commission voted unanimously to recommend the General Plan 2050 update to the City Council. The motion carried with all commissioners in favor. The plan will go to City Council for public hearings on August 10 and August 24, 2023, with a public ratification vote scheduled for March 12, 2024. - Next Steps: The staff will incorporate additional public comments into the final draft before the City Council hearings.

On July 19, 2023, at 2:15 PM, the Tempe Board of Adjustment convened to consider an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's decision to deny a reasonable accommodations waiver for a group home at 2604 South Siesta Drive. The appellant, Northsight Recovery LLC, sought to increase the number of residents from five to ten. The board voted 5-2 to deny the appeal, upholding the staff's decision. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the June 21, 2023, study session and formal meeting. The motion carried 5-0 with two abstentions (board members not present at that meeting). Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments. Discussion Items - Appeal of Zoning Administrator's Decision (PL220335): The appellant, Northsight Recovery LLC, represented by an attorney, presented their case for a reasonable accommodations waiver to increase the group home occupancy from five to ten. They argued that the increase was necessary to foster therapeutic group dynamics (citing Dr. Irvin Yalom's research on groups of 8–12), provide peer support, and address social determinants of health. The home is a sober living facility, staffed 24/7, and accredited by the Joint Commission. Residents typically stay about 120 days and are not permitted personal vehicles on site. - Staff (Ryan Levake, Deputy Director of Community Development) explained that the Zoning Administrator denied the waiver because the appellant failed to establish a sufficient nexus between the disability and the requested occupancy increase. Staff also expressed concern that granting the waiver would set a precedent for other group homes (approximately 75 in Tempe) to seek similar increases. The property could legally operate as a group home with up to five residents under current code. - Board Discussion: Board members raised questions about the square footage (2,000 sq ft, four bedrooms plus a converted garage), parking, fire safety (R4 occupancy requires sprinkler system), and whether the request was for an individual disability accommodation or a business expansion. Some members (Miller, Morrow) supported the appeal, citing the therapeutic benefits of larger groups and the applicant's willingness to upgrade to R4 standards. Others (Kege, Gans, Palmer, Confer, Watson) opposed, arguing the request was not a proper accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, raised concerns about density and precedent, and noted the home could already operate with five residents. - The appellant confirmed they were prepared to meet all building code requirements for R4 occupancy, including fire sprinklers. Key Outcomes - Vote on Appeal: Vice Chair Confer made a motion to deny the appeal. The motion passed 5-2, with board members Kege, Gans, Confer, Palmer, and Watson voting in favor (to deny), and Miller and Morrow voting against (to approve). - Staff Updates: The board acknowledged the retirement of Principal Planner Steve Abrahamson after 26 years of service. No meeting is scheduled for August 2023; the next meeting is anticipated for September 23, 2023. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned following a motion by Vice Chair Confer, seconded by multiple members.

On June 28, 2023, the Tempe Development Review Commission (DRC) held an introductory public hearing on the proposed "Tempe Tomorrow" General Plan 2050, which updates the city's comprehensive plan with 26 elements, including a proposed new climate change and extreme heat element, and 17 maps. The meeting was the first of two hearings; the DRC took no vote and will make a recommendation at a second hearing on July 25, 2023. State law requires a new general plan within 10 years of the May 20, 2014 voter ratification of General Plan 2040, with a ratification election scheduled for March 12, 2024. Consent Calendar - Approved Development Review Commission study session and regular meeting minutes from April 11, 2023; motion carried 7-0. - Approved study session and regular meeting minutes from May 9, 2023; motion passed 4-0, with Commissioners DeDominico, Cassano, and Lloyd abstaining. Public Comments & Testimony - David Sokolowski (via Zoom) voiced concerns about density and housing affordability, calling for housing adequacy and resident participation in housing decisions. - Carol Stewart, a Tempe resident, said water scarcity should be the top priority, criticized the lack of rent control and large rent increases, and challenged the $70,000 median income figure, arguing the actual average income is lower. - Janelyn Grenizo, a neighborhood co-chair and 2050 Commission member, said she voted against advancing the draft because there was no paper copy; she praised staff's responsiveness on land-use changes but expressed concerns about neighborhood density and character, and asked for more community education before the final vote. - Robert Moore, a Community Working Group member, noted the group's 9-6 vote to advance the draft and urged continued outreach, especially to marginalized groups. - Phil Amarosi, who represented the DRC on the Technical Advisory Group, supported staff's work but asked to reduce density in the Rent Gentili neighborhood, opposed the removal of mixed-use zoning along Southern and Baseline, called for stronger sustainability language using "adopt" and "implement" rather than "encourage," and suggested extending the regional park from Hardy to Priest. - Shannon Dutton, a resident north of Tempe Town Lake, requested cultural resource area designation for her neighborhood, objected to 45 dwelling units per acre next to single-family homes, and cited a traffic study showing 1,500 cars on Fillmore Street. - Jack Ketchum supported mixed-use and higher density, arguing it reduces car traffic and supports transit; he opposed the rollback of mixed-use designations. - Sean Swisher, of the Tempe Sustainability and Resilience Commission and TAG, read a letter stating the plan lacks specific sustainability commitments, opposed density and mixed-use rollbacks for undermining climate goals, and called for higher density in areas such as Danelle Plaza, Broadway/Dorsey/Price, and Rio Salado/Priest, plus a density bonus program. - Ann Till, a 2050 Commission member and Alameda Meadows neighborhood chair, said she voted no to proceeding based on land-use controversy; she appreciated the density reductions on Broadway/Southern, worried about distressed homes in Alameda, and recommended a resident committee to oversee implementation. - An unnamed speaker (listed as "Mr. Darcy" in the transcript) asked to keep densities at 25 dwelling units per acre and to create a mixed-use designation at 25 units; he argued that 45-65 units per acre encourage demolition of smaller older apartments. - Karen Gittless, from the Maple Ash neighborhood, expressed support for staff revisions, particularly cultural resource areas and the historic preservation chapter; she was pleased Mill/University blocks returned to CRA status and asked to reduce Danelle Plaza density to 25 units per acre. - Steve Amalot, a retired city arborist, called for more trees and sufficient tree maintenance as the city grows. - Nolan Williams, a Community Working Group member, supported the original draft, opposed CRA expansion, described CRAs as "income exclusivity areas," and requested the CRA be removed from his Daly Park neighborhood. - Sam Thiel opposed CRA expansion, saying it freezes 2003 densities for 20 years and prevents needed housing for families and students. - Mike Treacy praised the plan but was disappointed by negative opposition; he asked how the plan addresses homelessness and noted his daughter, a preschool teacher, earns far less than $70,000 and lives with roommates. - Christina Wirtz asked the plan to consider how building-material costs and safety affect housing affordability. - Stephen Gurner, president of Tempe Bicycle Action Group and a business owner, supported the cycling and active transportation sections, criticized the loss of mixed-use corridors, and noted MAG projects 71,000 new residents; he said more housing density lowers taxes and improves services. - Andrew Miller, a company CTO, said his employees want to live in Tempe but cannot, citing long commutes; he was disappointed that housing options were removed. - Roberta Miller, Brentwood Cavalier Neighborhood Association chair, read a statement opposing high density at Danelle Plaza, urging a human-scale community center instead and accusing city leadership of favoring developers. - The chair of the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission (unnamed) opposed removing six mixed-use locations, saying it conflicts with the city's affordability, 20-minute city, and sustainability values; he recommended expanding alternative transportation, exploring crowdfunded affordable housing, and holding a public design charrette. - Berkeley, a property owner on South Maple, opposed the cultural resource area designation on the Gage Addition blocks at Mill and University, saying 70% of property owners are non-owner occupants and the designation limits urban-core development. - Aphrodon McLaughlin opposed higher density, predicting more traffic, infrastructure strain, taxes, and police demands; he also opposed street diets and bump-outs and suggested community fruit and nut trees. - Martin Lynch raised concerns about homelessness and the lack of understanding of its causes, as well as crime and financial instability; he called for preserving families and lowering property taxes. - Liam Huggins, a lifelong Tempe resident, supported sustainability and bike infrastructure, backed density and redevelopment, said CRA locks in outdated zoning, and wanted more development in South Tempe. - An older resident warned about water scarcity, questioned 100-year water supply assurances, and shared experiences of community projects being blocked. - Jason Noor, a third-generation Tempe resident, said he cannot afford a home and may leave the city; he supported multifamily and mixed-use housing and urged the commission to reject the rollback amendments. - An electronics industry representative argued density attracts professionals and supports economic productivity, cited San Jose as a warning against lateral growth, and defended the U.S. dollar's status as a reserve currency. - Pamela Beal, a 49-year resident, supported mixed-use development but wanted family-sized, affordable units rather than luxury resort-style complexes, such as housing above grocery stores. Discussion Items - Staff presented an overview of the General Plan 2050 process: a 15-month community engagement effort beginning in March 2022, including a 26-member Community Working Group, a Technical Advisory Group of about 70 people representing boards and commissions and partner agencies, and numerous neighborhood and targeted meetings. The plan is roughly 388 pages and consists of seven chapters, 26 elements, and 17 maps. - Staff highlighted changes between the May 5 draft and the June 20 revised draft: strengthened bike and public health strategies, added a downtown historic core section, updated population and employment projections from MAG data, removed the proposed "central Tempe growth area," scaled back higher density and mixed-use designations along Southern, Broadway, and Rural, expanded cultural resource area designations in several older neighborhoods, and added language on transit awareness, dog parks, sustainability, and extreme heat. - Jacob Payne, senior planner, explained that the new combined land use and residential density map introduces categories including cultural resource, single-family, multifamily (up to 25 or 45 units per acre), mixed-use (moderate/high/urban), industrial mixed-use, and non-residential uses. He said density changes focus on transit corridors and arterial roads, and that changes since May 5 respond to community feedback. - Staff noted that land use designations in the general plan do not change zoning; they are a long-term vision and can be amended. The plan is not a regulatory document. - Commission questions and concerns included: clarifying the purpose and origin of cultural resource areas; the reason for density rollbacks; whether sustainability language can be made more concrete; how the plan addresses homelessness; the apparent mismatch between the projected 70,000 new residents and the plan's housing capacity; transportation improvements needed for higher density along Broadway, Southern, and Baseline; the Danelle Plaza area; and a missing fire station on exhibit page 280. - Staff responded: cultural resource area designations originated in the 2030 General Plan as a density tool to prevent upzoning in neighborhoods with unique post-World War II subdivisions, and additional designations are being evaluated; density rollbacks followed resident feedback at numerous meetings; the general plan cannot be regulatory but language can be strengthened; MAG projects about 70,000 additional residents by 2050, and using a household size of 2.27 persons yields roughly 28,000 needed dwelling units; the area median income for the Phoenix-Mesa metro is $88,800 for a family of four, not $70,000 per person; water supply is analyzed in the 2021 Water Resources Master Plan and building permits require 100-year water supply assurances. - Since the release of the June 20 draft, staff reported receiving about 30 comments in the prior seven days. Key Outcomes - No vote was taken on General Plan 2050; the introductory hearing was for public input and commission guidance. - The DRC will hold its second hearing and vote on July 25, 2023, at 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers. - Staff will issue a revised draft one week before the July 25 hearing, incorporating public comments and DRC direction. - Commissioners directed staff to provide additional analysis on: Danelle Plaza, cultural resource area criteria, transportation upgrades for density along Broadway/Southern/Baseline, sustainability language options, clarification of the mixed-use 25 dwelling unit per acre designation, resolving the population projection discrepancy, and how homelessness is addressed. - The motion to approve the April 11 minutes passed 7-0, and the motion to approve the May 9 minutes passed 4-0 with three abstentions.

On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, the City of Tempe Board of Adjustment convened at 2:00 PM (14:00) to consider an appeal and routine administrative items. With only five board members present (instead of the usual seven), Chairperson noted that four affirmative votes would be required for the appeal to succeed. The appellant requested a continuance, which was granted by a 3-2 vote. The board also unanimously approved the minutes from the January 25, 2023, meetings and adjourned. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The board unanimously (5-0) approved the Study Session and Formal Meeting Minutes from January 25, 2023. No corrections or discussion were offered. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during this meeting. The public comment period was not opened because the only public hearing item (the appeal) was continued. Discussion Items - Continuance Request (Appeal PL220335): Evan Schlack, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for Northsight Recovery, LLC (the appellant), requested a continuance of the appeal hearing to the next regularly scheduled meeting. The appeal concerns the denial of a Reasonable Accommodations Waiver to increase the number of residents in a group home from five (5) to ten (10) for a proposed group home at 2604 South Siesta Drive. Schlack cited the reduced board size (five members instead of seven) and expressed that proceeding with a smaller board might be disadvantageous. The board discussed the vote threshold: with five members, four affirmative votes would be needed; with seven members, four votes would also be needed (not a majority). After a roll call vote, the continuance was granted by a vote of 3 to 2, with Board Members Morrill, Kegy, and Watson voting in favor, and Vice Chair Comford and Board Member Palmer voting against. - Future DRC Meeting Announcement: Vice Chair Comford announced that a Development Review Commission (DRC) meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the Tempe Library and Historic Museum complex to discuss the General Plan. The meeting will also be accessible via WebEx through the city's website. - Follow-up on Superior Court Lawsuits: A board member requested a follow-up on litigation previously discussed in January. Staff agreed to place an update on the agenda for the July 19, 2023, meeting. Key Outcomes - Continuance Granted: The appeal of Northsight Recovery, LLC (PL220335) is continued to the July 19, 2023, meeting at 6:00 PM. - Minutes Approved: The minutes from January 25, 2023, were approved unanimously (5-0). - Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned without further action.

The Development Review Commission (DRC) held a regular meeting on June 13, 2023, to consider several development applications. The Commission approved minutes from previous meetings, continued one item, approved two consent agenda items, and deliberated on three major projects. Key actions included approval of the Bonnie Lane Apartments (with added archaeological conditions), denial of the Skye Tempe mixed-use tower (recommendation to City Council), and approval of The Marshall at Tempe student housing project (with conditions, including a parking ratio stipulation). Consent Calendar - Items 4 and 5 were approved unanimously (7-0) without public testimony: a Use Permit for internet-based car sales at Tempe Motor Company (9229 South Hardy Drive) and a Use Permit for a decorative screen wall at the Gilmore Residence (326 East Broadmor Drive). Discussion Items - Item 3 – Bonnie Lane Apartments (1116 & 1120 South Bonnie Lane): The applicant requested a Use Permit for tandem parking in the R-4 district and a Development Plan Review for eight units in two multi-family buildings. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions, including two archaeological monitoring conditions (similar to those on other projects) due to the site's location in a known archaeologically sensitive area. The applicant agreed to these conditions. The Commission approved the request unanimously (7-0). - Item 6 – 211 East 7th Street (29-story mixed-use): The applicant requested a continuance to a date uncertain (to July 25, 2023, or later). The Commission granted the continuance (7-0). - Item 7 – Skye Tempe (780 South Myrtle Avenue): The applicant proposed a 27-story mixed-use development with 281 residential units and 6,650 sq. ft. of commercial space on approximately 0.5 acres. The project included a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay and Development Plan Review. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including a revised solid waste plan and adjustments to parking striping. Discussion centered on density, pedestrian space, trash collection safety, and the applicant's refusal to accept archaeological conditions (the site had been previously disturbed). The Commission expressed concerns about the project's scale, density, lack of open space, and potential traffic impacts. A motion to approve with conditions failed (3-4), resulting in a recommendation of denial to City Council. - Item 8 – The Marshall at Tempe (1057 East Apache Boulevard): The applicant requested a General Plan Density Map Amendment (from High Density to High Density Urban Core), a Zoning Map Amendment (to MU-4), a PAD overlay, and a Development Plan Review for a seven-story, 189-unit student housing project with 479 beds and 1,600 sq. ft. of retail. The project included one level of underground parking (168 spaces total). A key issue was the parking ratio of 0.31 spaces per bed, which was significantly lower than the TOD standard of 0.5 and the average of nearby projects (29% reduction). Staff recommended a condition requiring the applicant to provide additional parking or alternative solutions (e.g., off-site parking, reduced bedroom count). The applicant argued that the ratio was appropriate for student housing and noted the project's proximity to transit and car-sharing services. The Commission debated the long-term viability and potential spillover parking. A motion to approve with all staff conditions (including the parking stipulation) passed 5-2, with Commissioners Redmond and Miller voting against. The recommendation for approval will be forwarded to City Council. Key Outcomes - Minutes: Approved (5-0) for the March 28, 2023, Study Session and Regular Meeting. - Item 3 (Bonnie Lane): Approved 7-0. - Item 6 (211 E. 7th St.): Continued to a date uncertain. - Item 7 (Skye Tempe): Motion to approve failed 3-4; recommendation of denial to City Council. - Item 8 (The Marshall at Tempe): Approved 5-2 with staff conditions, including the parking ratio stipulation. - Commissioner Miller requested that staff provide data on cumulative approved/planned units in downtown Tempe to better assess cumulative impacts.

The Development Review Commission met on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 2:15 PM (local time) at the Tempe City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mike Dominico. The commission considered four agenda items, all of which were approved as part of a single consent agenda vote. No public comments were received, and no discussion occurred on the individual items. The vote was unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - Request for a Development Plan Review for a new 7-unit attached single-family development for Country Club Townhomes (PL230012) – located at 3250 South Country Club Way, applicant E-Project LLC. - Request for a Use Permit to allow a drive-through restaurant within the General Industrial District for Priest & Broadway Chick-fil-A (PL230055) – located at 1139 West Broadway Road, applicant 4G Development & Consulting. - Request for a Use Permit to allow live entertainment (open mic nights, poetry readings, story hours, and live music) for Brick Road Coffee (PL230072) – located at 4415 South Rural Road, Suite 10, applicant Brick Road Coffee. - Request for a Use Permit to allow required parking within the required front yard building setback for the Rice Residence (PL230079) – located at 103 West Palmcroft Drive, applicant Dwell Boldly. Key Outcomes - All four items were approved as proposed with no changes by a vote of 7-0. - No appeals or further actions were taken during the meeting. Staff Announcements - City staff provided a preview of the next Development Review Commission meeting scheduled for June 13, 2023, which will include six items: Bonnie Lane Apartments (use permit for attendance parking), Tempe Motor Company (internet car sales), Gilmore residence (decorative screen wall), 211 East 7th Street (29-story mixed-use development), Sky Tempe (27-story mixed-use development), and The Marshal at Tempe (seven-story mixed-use development). - A special hearing on the 2050 General Plan update was announced for June 27, 2023, at the History Museum. That meeting will be limited to discussion and public comment only, with no action taken.