Public Meetings - Tempe, Arizona

The Tempe Development Review Commission (DRC) met on November 15, 2022, to consider a request for the proposed Tempe Entertainment District at 53 S. Priest Drive. The commission approved the previous meeting minutes and, after a public hearing and deliberation, voted unanimously to recommend approval of the general plan and zoning map amendments and Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay to the Tempe City Council. Consent Calendar - Minutes from October 25, 2022: Commissioner Cassano moved to approve the study session and regular meeting minutes, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd. The motion passed 5–2, with the two alternates abstaining. Public Comments & Testimony - City of Phoenix (letter from Chad Mikkowski, Director of Aviation Services): Objected to the inclusion of residential uses within the 65 DNL noise contour, arguing it would violate the 1994 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Tempe. - Maha Al Shamari (Tempe resident): Opposed the project, citing increased congestion, safety concerns, and the loss of affordable student housing. - David Sokolowski: Opposed, calling the proposed $2 million in affordable housing "pathetic" relative to the $2.1 billion project and asserting the city has no plan to extend the streetcar. - Marlene Begay: Opposed, questioning why developers and the team cannot fund their own facility and citing negative outcomes from stadium deals in other cities. - John Stevenson: Expressed support for the project, praising the agreement's terms as favorable to Tempe residents. - Kelly Carnegie: Opposed, worried that the development would force Sky Harbor flight path changes over homes. - Merrill Darcy (Riverside Neighborhood): Opposed, predicting increased crime, congestion, and negative impacts on surrounding commercial properties. - Jennifer Spade and Lori Merrill: Opposed, citing excessive height and density compared to existing neighborhoods, capped at three stories nearby. - J. DeWitt (Sky Harbor Airport): Objected based on the IGA's residential prohibition in the 65 DNL. - Andrew Marwick (spoken): Opposed, criticizing the traffic analysis and the shared parking model as unrealistic. - Tom Brown (spoken): Opposed, asked the commission to not pass the item unanimously and to remove residential from the PAD. - Philip Yates (spoken, Riverside Neighborhood Association president): Opposed, stating residents felt steamrolled by the accelerated timeline. - David Pollack (spoken): Opposed. Discussion Items - Applicant Presentation (Nick Woods, Snell & Wilmer): Described the project as a $2.1 billion, 4.25 million square-foot sports and entertainment district, including a 16,000-seat arena, practice facility, hotels, residential units, office, retail, and entertainment venue. The site is a 46-acre contaminated former landfill. The applicant stated remediation costs are $73 million, with the project privately financed and a $40 million non-refundable deposit. The applicant committed to taking the project to a public ballot. - Staff Report (Suparna Dasgupta, Principal Planner): Staff recommended approval subject to 18 conditions, including height and density limits, shared parking study, aviation easements, airport noise disclosure, and relocation of historic barracks. Staff noted the neighborhood meeting drew 35 attendees and that seven comments had been received (one support, five opposition, one neutral). - Commissioner Questions and Deliberation: Commissioners raised concerns about remediation guarantees, workforce housing, office jobs, parking and transportation, density, streetcar extension, archaeological resources, and PAD conditions. Staff and applicant responses clarified that the overall density averages 43 dwelling units per acre, a 14-foot transit easement is reserved for a future streetcar, no archaeological resources are on site, and the project will comply with FAA noise attenuation requirements. Key Outcomes - Approval of minutes (5–2 with alternates abstaining). - Recommendation to approve PL220278: Commissioner Lloyd moved to approve the general plan amendment, zoning map amendment, and PAD overlay, subject to staff conditions. The motion was seconded and passed 7–0. - The DRC's action is a recommendation to the City Council, not a final decision; the council was scheduled to consider the related Disposition and Development Agreement on November 29, 2022. The applicant stated that approval would lead to a public referendum in May 2023.

The Development Review Commission met on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, at 1:00 PM (as listed on the agenda) to conduct public hearings and make recommendations on development applications. The meeting covered a consent agenda, a withdrawn item, and a rezoning and preliminary plat request. The commission also made arrangements for a special meeting scheduled for the following week. Consent Calendar - Items 1 and 2 were approved unanimously (6-0) as part of the consent agenda. Item 1 was the 2022 Development Plan Review Annual Report. Item 2 was a Use Permit for a 5-foot-tall wall within the front yard setback for the Salim Residence at 1824 East Caroline Lane (PL220190). No public comments were offered on these items. Public Comments & Testimony - Philip Fargostein (resident of Los Estatus, representing the HOA board) spoke on the Caliendo Residence request. He stated that the HOA board neither supports nor opposes the rezoning but requested a condition requiring a six-foot block wall along the new property line for safety, security, and consistency with the neighborhood's perimeter walls. He noted that all homes in Los Estatus have block wall construction and that the wall was removed without HOA authority years ago. - Rod Lenz (online, owner of Parcel 30802124 in Los Estatus) expressed full support for the zoning map amendment, stating it is consistent with the dominant zoning. He opposed any additional fencing requirements from the HOA, noting that neither lot one nor lot two are HOA members and thus not subject to HOA jurisdiction. Discussion Items - Item 3 (Alameda Industrial) was withdrawn by the applicant and not discussed. - Item 4 (Caliendo Residence) – The applicant, Brian Greathouse (Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A.), presented a request to rezone approximately 0.172 acres (7,475 square feet) from AG to R1-15 and approve a preliminary subdivision plat for two lots at 1100 East Knox Road. The Caliendos own lot one (north) and sold lot two (south) to Erica Flores. The rezoning would allow the Caliendos to reacquire a portion of lot two to expand their backyard for dogs and children. The applicant opposed a condition requiring a block wall, citing property rights, flexibility, and SRP easement complexities. Staff (Lee Menace, senior planner) recommended approval of both the rezoning and the preliminary plat, correcting an ownership label in the report. The public comment period received 11 supportive comments and 1 neutral comment (from Mr. Fargostein) requesting the wall condition. - The commission discussed the history of the property, noting a block wall was removed about 12 years ago when the Caliendos owned both lots. Concerns about SRP access to a transformer and the lack of HOA jurisdiction over the lots were also addressed. Key Outcomes - The commission voted to approve the rezoning and preliminary plat as recommended by staff, without the condition requiring a block wall. The motion was made by Commissioner Spears, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd, and passed (exact tally not stated in transcript). This action is a recommendation to the City Council, which will hold two public hearings before a final decision. - The commission also agreed to recommend Commissioner Spears as temporary chair for the special meeting scheduled for the following Tuesday (November 15, 2022), as the chair and vice chair would be unavailable. This will be formalized in the meeting agenda. Note: The meeting took place on Election Day, and the chair reminded attendees of polling opportunities before adjourning.

The Development Review Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in the evening. The meeting was chaired by Mike Dietomenico and included seven commissioners. The agenda covered 14 items, including consent calendar approvals, a continuance, and two major mixed-use development approvals. One public comment was heard in person, and one written comment was read into the record. Consent Calendar - The commission approved the minutes from the September 13, 2022 study session and regular meeting (6-0-1, with Commissioner Joe Forte abstaining). - The consent agenda, consisting of items 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, and 16, was approved 7-0. Item 15 (Perry & Rio Salado) was pulled from consent due to a public comment card and was heard separately. - Items 9 (YW Relaxation) and 13 (Caliendo Residence) were withdrawn or rescheduled; item 9 was withdrawn, item 13 was rescheduled to November 8, 2022. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 14 (Modera Rio Salado): A written comment from Jay DeWitt, representing Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, was read into the record. The comment objected to the project, citing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Tempe and Phoenix that prohibits residential development in the 65 DNL noise contour. The applicant later disagreed, stating the city of Tempe supports the project. - Item 15 (Perry & Rio Salado): Phillip Yates, president of the Riverside Neighborhood Association, spoke in person. He expressed concerns about increased density along Rio Salado Parkway, potential parking issues, and traffic impacts on the neighborhood, given the nearby Coyotes proposal and other developments. Discussion Items - Item 12 (Apache River Apartments): The applicant requested a use permit for residential in the CSS zoning district and a development plan review for a 12-unit multi-family development with 1,744 sq. ft. of commercial space at 1292 South River Drive. Commissioners raised concerns about the viability of the small retail space, the underutilization of the site given its transit-oriented location, and the split zoning (R4 and CSS). The applicant noted parking constraints and zoning limitations. After discussion, the commission voted 7-0 to continue the case to a date not specified, allowing the applicant to explore design alternatives or a rezoning. - Item 14 (Modera Rio Salado): The applicant sought a General Plan land use amendment (from Public Open Space to Mixed Use), density amendments, a zoning map amendment (from GID RSOD to MU-4 RSOD), a Planned Area Development overlay, and a development plan review for a 7-story, 319-unit mixed-use development at 835 West Rio Salado Parkway. The site, formerly a city traffic operations center, includes a 14-foot streetcar easement. Staff recommended conditions to address airport compatibility (navigation easement, tenant disclosure) and a trash compactor requirement. The commission voted 7-0 to approve the request with all conditions. - Item 15 (Perry & Rio Salado): The applicant requested a zoning map amendment from General Industrial to MU-4, a Planned Area Development overlay, and a development plan review for a 6-story, 308-unit mixed-use development (including 4 live-work units and 3,069 sq. ft. of commercial) at 1891 East Rio Salado Parkway. The project aligns with the Smith Innovation Hub design guidelines. Parking ratios were discussed; the applicant provided 464 spaces (1.46 per unit) and a parking study. The commission approved the request 7-0 with conditions as written. Key Outcomes - Approved: Modera Rio Salado (PL220082) – 7-0. - Approved: Perry & Rio Salado (PL220181) – 7-0. - Continued: Apache River Apartments (PL220030) – 7-0 to a date not specified. - Consent agenda approved 7-0. - Next meeting: November 8, 2022, with two items: a use permit for a wall at 1824 East Caroline Lane and the rescheduled Caliendo Residence zoning map amendment and preliminary plat.

The Tempe Board of Adjustment convened on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, to consider a variance request to reduce a side yard setback from 10 feet to 6 feet for a historic property at 1015 South Farmer Avenue. The board also approved the minutes from the July 27, 2022 meeting. No public testimony was offered. Consent Calendar - Meeting Minutes (July 27, 2022): Approved by a vote of 4-0, with three board members (Baker, Miller, Kakey) abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. Discussion Items - Variance Request (PL220187) – Livingston/Spear Remodel and Addition: The applicants, Joe Livingston and Brian Spear, requested a variance to reduce the south side yard setback from the required 10 feet to 6 feet. The property, built in 1893, is a 50-foot-wide lot zoned R3 (multifamily) but occupied as a single-family home. The existing structure sits at a 6-foot setback on the south side, which has been the historic pattern for 129 years. The applicants plan to remodel the home, restore the original front porch, and add a second-story accessory dwelling unit. The lot is constrained by a Union Pacific Railroad line to the east and a power line easement. - Staff (Diana Kaminsky, Community Development) presented the analysis, noting that the strict application of the current 10-foot setback would deprive the property of privileges enjoyed by other single-family homes and similar variances granted in the area. The variance is necessary because the removal of a non-conforming 1962 addition triggers the setback requirement. The applicant held a neighborhood meeting on August 15, 2022, with one attendee who expressed support. Letters of support were included in the packet. - Board members asked about the possibility of listing the property on the National Register of Historic Places. The city’s preservation officer noted that the proposed changes (including a two-story addition) might affect historic integrity, but the property could still be eligible. The applicants expressed interest in historic recognition but had not pursued it. - Board members expressed unanimous support for the variance, citing the historic nature of the property, the substandard lot width, and the lack of opposition. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve Variance (PL220187): Moved by board member Gans, seconded by Watson, with conditions that the applicant obtain a building permit and a use permit from the Development Review Commission (DRC) for the second-story addition before construction. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Next Steps: The applicant will proceed to the DRC on October 25, 2022, for the use permit approval.

The Tempe Development Review Commission held its regular hearing on September 13, 2022, beginning at approximately 2:00 PM. The meeting was chaired by Chairman Mike D. Domenico, with Commissioners Spears, Lloyd, Don Cassano, Michelle Schwartz, Vice Chair Andy Johnson, and Alternate Commissioner Chuck Redman in attendance. City staff present included Jeff Tamulevich, Ryan Lebake, Steve Abraham, Separna Daskupta, Diana Kaminsky, Lee Jimenez, Obinia Kingsby II, Joanna Berry, and Eddie Garcia. The meeting consisted primarily of approval of prior meeting minutes, a consent agenda covering four development items, and announcements. No members of the public provided testimony. Minutes Approval - The Commission approved the minutes of the August 23, 2022 Study Session and the August 23, 2022 Regular Meeting without changes or edits. - Motion made by Commissioner Cassano, seconded by Commissioner Lloyd. - The motion carried 6-0, with Alternate Commissioner Redman abstaining because he was not in attendance at those meetings. Consent Calendar - The Commission approved the consent agenda in a single vote, covering the following four items (items 3-6 on the agenda): - White Castle Drive-Through Restaurant (PL220183): A Development Plan Review for a new 3,018 square foot drive-through restaurant at 8755 West Warner Road and South Jewel Street. Applicant: Kimley-Horne and Associates. Project Planner: Diana Kaminski. - Bonarden Lane 8 Homes (PL210111): A Use Permit Standard to reduce the front yard setback from 20 feet to 18 feet in the R-4 District, and a Development Plan Review for a new three-story single-family residential development consisting of eight units at 1432 and 1435 South Bonarden Lane. Applicant: Palmer Architects, Ltd. Project Planner: Diana Kaminski. - Tempe Emmanuel Lutheran Church (PL220035): A Use Permit to intensify an existing private school; a Use Permit Standard to increase the maximum allowed building height from 30 feet to 33 feet; and a Development Plan Review for a new two-story building of approximately 12,850 square feet at 715 West Southern Avenue. Applicant: Sketch Architecture Company. Project Planner: Obenia Kingsby. - Elbo Smoke Shop (PL220199): A Use Permit to allow a tobacco retailer at 3121 South Mill Avenue. Applicant: Elbo Headshop, LLC. Project Planner: Lee Jimenez. - Motion made by Vice Chairman Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Spears. - The consent agenda was approved unanimously, 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - The Chair asked whether anyone from the public had questions or concerns on the four consent agenda cases. No members of the public requested to be heard, and nothing was received from online participants. Announcements - Commission Member Announcements: Commissioner Cassano noted that the meeting room's presentation screens are touch-screen interactive, allowing documents to be manipulated by touch rather than by mouse. - City Staff Announcements: Staff informed the Commission and public that the next Development Review Commission meeting is scheduled for October 25, 2022, with the agenda to be published three weeks prior to that date. Staff also noted that one case is expected at the next meeting involving the Orange Guadalupe Cemetery. Key Outcomes - Minutes of the August 23, 2022 Study Session and Regular Meeting were approved 6-0 (Commissioner Redman abstaining). - The consent agenda, encompassing the White Castle, Bonarden Lane 8 Homes, Tempe Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and Elbo Smoke Shop applications, was approved unanimously 7-0. - No public testimony was offered on any agenda item. - The next Development Review Commission meeting was set for October 25, 2022.

The Development Review Commission held a public hearing on August 23, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. to consider several development applications, including a zoning amendment for the Butler Gray House and a Planned Area Development for Tempe Eleven. The meeting began with approval of minutes from August 9, 2022, and a consent agenda for two items. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The study session and regular meeting minutes from August 9, 2022, were approved 7-0, with one abstention from Commissioner Lloyd, who was not present for those meetings. - Consent Agenda Items: Items 3 and 4 (The Dewitt at North Miller Road and the Butler Gray House zoning amendment) were approved as a single motion 7-0 after no public opposition was expressed. Public Comments & Testimony - Butler Gray House (Item 5): - Philip Yates, president of the Riverside Neighborhood Association, expressed concern that the five-year facade conservation easement could be modified after expiration, potentially leading to upzoning and loss of historic character. He urged the commission to consider long-term neighborhood impacts. - David Sokolowski, a Tempe resident, supported the project, stating it provides an opportunity for new residents to live in a desirable neighborhood. - Darlene Justice, representing the Tempe Women's Club, asked for clarification on the five-year conservation easement and expressed hope that the easement would prevent demolition for at least that period. She noted that the city might eventually acquire the property to preserve it. - Tempe Eleven (Item 6): - David Sokolowski again spoke in favor, citing the housing shortage and the need for diverse housing options. - Philip Yates opposed the project, citing increased traffic, the loss of a historic adobe house (though it was not officially designated), and the neighborhood meeting scheduling issues. He argued the development is out of scale with the area. - Commissioner Lloyd (who recused herself from voting but spoke as a neighbor) noted that the previous properties on the site were blighted and that the new development would be an improvement. She appreciated the two-story height and alley-loaded garages. Discussion Items - Butler Gray House (PL220161): Staff Ryan Levitt explained that the application was the result of a negotiated agreement with the property owner, who had initially sought a demolition permit. The city council approved a lot split and a five-year facade conservation easement on the historic structure (recorded June 2022). The current request was to remove the historic overlay designation from the rear lot (approx. 0.08 acres) to allow a new dwelling. Commissioners discussed the trade-off: the easement buys time for preservation, but the new lot could be developed without historic review. Commissioner Spears expressed unease, feeling the property owner had undue leverage, while Commissioner Forte noted that denial could lead to demolition within six months. The motion passed 6-1. - Tempe Eleven (PL220110): Applicant Tom Gosicki presented a two-story, 11-unit single-family attached development on 0.59 acres at 408 South Roosevelt Street. The project requires a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay to modify setbacks (front from 20 to 15 feet, sides from 10 to 6 and 5 feet, rear from 15 to 13 feet) and landscape area from 25% to 23%. All other standards (height, lot coverage, parking) comply with the R3 zoning. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including one ADA parking space. Commissioners discussed the adjacency to single-family homes, the use of front porches, and the absence of balconies. The project was approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0. - Butler Gray House (PL220161): Approved 6-1, with Commissioner Spears dissenting. - Tempe Eleven (PL220110): Approved unanimously (7-0). - Next Meeting: Scheduled for September 13, 2022, to consider a White Castle drive-thru, a residential project on Bernardin Lane, and a school expansion at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. - Commissioner Announcements: Commissioner Lloyd promoted a Tempe Town Lake cleanup event on Saturday (7–9 a.m.) organized by Keep Tempe Beautiful.

The Development Review Commission held a regular meeting on August 9, 2022, to approve minutes, a consent agenda, and a use permit for a second story addition to a single-family residence. The meeting included public comment and staff presentations. The commission approved the consent agenda for a second-hand store use permit, and after discussion, approved a use permit for a second story addition at 931 E Weber Drive with conditions, voting 6-1. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the July 26, 2022 study session and regular meeting (motion passed 6-0, with one abstention). - Approved the consent agenda item: Use Permit for Subjective Vintage (second-hand store) at 944 S Mill Avenue. Public Comments & Testimony - Albert Dare, a long-time Tempe resident, spoke in support of the Abdelmalak Residence project, stating he has lived in the neighborhood for over 50 years and praised the design and the applicant's efforts to improve the area. Discussion Items - Use Permit for Abdelmalak Residence (931 E Weber Drive): The applicant requested a use permit for a second story addition to an existing single-family home in the R2 zoning district. The addition would include four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a living area on the second floor, totaling 1,280 square feet. The applicant also planned to remodel the first floor, including opening an enclosed carport to provide required parking. Staff recommended approval with conditions, noting that the design includes clear-story windows on east and west elevations for privacy, and the parking meets current code requirements. Commissioners discussed parking concerns due to the eight total bedrooms, but staff clarified that the new parking ratio text amendment was not yet in effect and that additional on-site parking is available in the driveway. Key Outcomes - Motion to approve the use permit for the Abdelmalak Residence with staff conditions passed 6-1 (Commissioner Schwartz voting nay). - Future meeting announced for August 23, 2022, with agenda items including Carvana preliminary plat, general plan/zoning amendment for 207 dwelling units at North Miller Road, zoning map amendment for Butler Gray House, and planned area development for Tempe 11.

The Board of Adjustment of the City of Tempe met on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at 14:00 local time. The single substantive agenda item was a variance request to increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 55 feet for the proposed OMP Tempe Industrial Park at 1480 North McClintock Drive. After hearing from the applicant, staff, and board members, the board voted unanimously (7-0) to approve the variance. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board approved the study session and formal meeting minutes from July 28, 2021, with 3 in favor and 4 abstaining (due to board turnover and a technical issue with a virtual member). - Minutes Approval: The board approved the meeting minutes from June 22, 2022, with 5 in favor and 2 abstaining (one virtual member was not present). Discussion Items - Variance Request (PL220160): Applicant Berry Riddell, LLC, represented by Wendy Riddell, requested a variance to increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 55 feet for a three-building Class A industrial park on a 36-acre site (the former Big Surf location). The applicant argued the height is necessary to accommodate modern industrial racking systems (40–42 feet clear height plus roof structure/parapet) and to compete with properties in other jurisdictions and Tempe’s Southwest Overlay district (which allows up to 60 feet). The applicant cited the four-part variance test: - Special circumstances: The site is the largest privately owned industrial parcel north of Loop 202; surrounding parcels are smaller and cannot accommodate similar-scale development. - Deprivation of privileges: Other GID‑zoned properties in Tempe benefit from the Southwest Overlay (60 feet) or are in cities like Phoenix (56 feet by right) and Goodyear (50 feet by right). - Not self-imposed: The parcel size and configuration have existed since 1969; the GID height limit (35 feet) has not been updated since 1978. - No special privilege: The variance would allow height consistent with other modern industrial properties in the city. - Staff Presentation: Senior Planner Karen Stovall recommended approval subject to one stipulation. Staff confirmed that the Community Development Department intends to initiate a text amendment to increase maximum industrial heights (possibly to 65 feet), likely by early 2023. The site will require separate site‑plan and subdivision plat approvals. - Board Discussion: Several board members expressed support. Board Member Confer raised a concern about the “self‑imposed” criterion, noting that the choice to build on that site is voluntary. The applicant clarified that the site is zoned for industrial and that modern industrial buildings require the additional height; building lower would be economically unviable for a site of this size. Chair Lyon and others noted that the hardship is not self‑imposed by the applicant but results from outdated code. Key Outcomes - Vote: The board voted 7-0 to approve the variance to increase the maximum building height to 55 feet (with building 1 at 53 feet 8 inches due to grade differences). - Next Steps: The applicant must still obtain development plan review (DRC) and preliminary/final subdivision plat approval (City Council). A potential Board of Adjustment meeting was announced for September 28, 2022, to consider a setback variance for a single-family residence.

The Development Review Commission held a public hearing on July 26, 2022, to consider several land-use applications, code text amendments, and routine approvals. The meeting included the election of a new vice chair, approval of previous meeting minutes, a consent agenda, and public hearings on four items. Commission members present included Chair Mike D. Domenico, Commissioner Andrew Johnson (elected vice chair), Commissioner Joseph Forte, Commissioner Michelle Schwartz, Commissioner Don Cassano (remote), Commissioner Linda Spears, Alternate Commissioner Rihanna Corbett, and Alternate Commissioner Charles Redman (voting on first two items). Consent Calendar - Item 5 (Tempe Bouldering Project) and Item 6 (Brick & Barley) were approved unanimously (7-0) as part of the consent agenda, with no public testimony. Public Comments & Testimony - Item 4 (Aunt Chilada's): Multiple residents submitted written comments opposing the requested bar and entertainment permits, citing concerns about noise, traffic, and late-night hours. Barb Brooks, Kathleen Niebauer, Noelle Fontaine, and the Point Office Suites Condominium Association all voiced opposition or requested a continuance. Dr. Taylor, a 26-year resident, spoke in person, describing cumulative noise issues from the resort and surrounding areas and arguing that additional entertainment would harm the neighborhood's quality of life. - Item 7 (Emerald Multifamily): Nolan Williams, a Tempe resident, spoke in favor of the project, citing the need for housing and a low vacancy rate. - Item 8 (Lincoln South Bank): Nolan Williams again spoke in favor, praising the high density and suggesting future reductions in parking requirements if transit expands. Discussion Items - Item 4: Aunt Chilada's – Bar and Entertainment Use Permits (PL210336) The applicant sought two use permits to allow a bar and indoor/outdoor entertainment at the existing Mexican restaurant, operated by the Arizona Grand Resort. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including a security plan. The commission modified the standard operating hours condition: entertainment must end by 10:00 PM Sunday–Thursday and 2:00 AM Friday–Saturday, with an administrative review in six months. The applicant agreed. The motion carried 7-0. - Item 7: Emerald Multifamily – Amended PAD, Use Permit, and Development Plan Review (PL220008) The applicant proposed a 5-story, 591-unit luxury apartment development on 16.8 acres in the Emerald Center. Staff recommended approval. Commissioner Linda Spears expressed concerns about the building's design and loss of commercial land. Commissioner Andrew Johnson echoed design concerns and noted the use of artificial turf. The motion to approve with conditions carried 6-1, with Commissioner Spears dissenting. - Item 8: Lincoln South Bank – Amended PAD and Development Plan Review (PL220072) The applicant proposed a 21-story, 352-unit mixed-use tower with 2,330 sq ft of retail on 2.23 acres along the lake. Commissioners criticized the minimal retail space as a missed opportunity for public enjoyment. The applicant agreed to increase retail to 4,000 sq ft and incorporate outdoor seating. The motion to approve with that condition carried 7-0. - Item 9: Code Text Amendments (PL220132) Staff presented a package of amendments to the Zoning and Development Code, including clarifications on density calculations, definitions (e.g., bedroom, vehicle service), second-story addition requirements, parking thresholds, subdivision processes, and administrative review thresholds. The commission approved the amendments unanimously 7-0. Key Outcomes - Election: Commissioner Andrew Johnson was elected Vice Chairperson. - Minutes: The study session and regular meeting minutes of June 28, 2022, were approved (4-0, with abstentions from those not present). - Consent Agenda: Items 5 and 6 approved 7-0. - Item 4 (Aunt Chilada's): Approved 7-0 with modified hours (entertainment ends 10 PM Sun–Thu, 2 AM Fri–Sat) and a six-month administrative review. - Item 7 (Emerald Multifamily): Approved 6-1 (Commissioner Spears dissenting). - Item 8 (Lincoln South Bank): Approved 7-0 with a condition to provide at least 4,000 sq ft of retail space. - Item 9 (Code Text Amendments): Approved 7-0. - Staff Announcements: The commission noted that the Timeout Lounge live entertainment use (3129 S. Mill Avenue) passed its six-month administrative review with no issues. Upcoming meetings: August 9, 2022 (short agenda) and August 23, 2022.