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Call to Order, Introductions, and Announcements by Chair.
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm. Vice Chair Karen Heck reviewed the process for presentation and discussion of zoning cases. Chairman Keyser introduced the newly assigned Village Planner, Katherine Coles. He provided a brief background on her education and her career at the city of Phoenix.
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Z-9-10-5: Presentation, discussion and possible action regarding a request to rezone the southeast corner of 30th Drive and Colter Street from R-3A (multi-family residential) to R-4A (multi-family residential) for affordable senior housing and an assisted living facility (5.25 acres). The Planning Commission will consider this request on June 9, 2010
MOTION: Charles Jones moved, with a second from Frank Farina, to recommend approval of the request subject to staff stipulations. VOTE: 11-0
DISCUSSION: Katherine Coles presented the staff recommendation for approval and explained the stipulations presented in the staff report. This is a proposal for an affordable senior housing development. The first phase of development is ready to move forward now. Funding is being sought to develop the phase 2 portion. Phase 2 is intended to provide assisted living for seniors, including memory and nursing care. Staff is recommending conformance to the site plan and elevations presented, painting of perimeter walls and dust proofing of the phase 2 portion of the site, and a maximum of 270 units and 37 feet in height. Ms. Coles read a letter submitted by the Cordova Neighborhood Association in support of the request.
Charles Jones asked why the dust proofing and wall painting is triggered by a Certificate of Occupancy rather than occurring now. Ms. Coles outlined the triggers during development when this kind of stipulation can be enforced. It is likely that the rear portion of the site will be utilized during Phase 1 construction for staging of materials and equipment, so it would be premature to require the overall dust proofing of the site early in the process.
Jon Paladini asked about the unit count in each phase. The applicant responded that there will be 46 units in Phase 1 and the balance of the units will be in Phase 2. Ardyce Estrom asked for clarification of what is shown on the southern portion of the site plan. Jim Mullany, representing the applicant, outlined the layout of the site, including drive aisles, parking and configuration of the various buildings.
Hal Becker suggested a time stipulation for the commencement of Phase 2 construction. He is concerned that the project will begin construction and perhaps lose funding and remain only partially developed.
Jim Mullany, Polo Martinezand Jim Ternosky represented the project. Mr. Mullany reported that they have partnered with Glencroft Communities to build the Phase 1 portion. They have secured a 202 Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the funding is in place. The project will be built and completed, not left in a partial state.
Frank Farina inquired about the start date for construction. Mr. Mullany stated that they are aiming for the 4th quarter of this year. The project is currently in the construction document phase for review with the city of Phoenix Development Services Department.
Mr. Mullany noted that the demographics of the area support this type of land use. It is close to medical facilities (St. Joseph’s Hospital and Baptist Hospital), transportation and Grand Canyon University. Glencroft Communities is meeting with Grand Canyon University to explore opportunities for students from their nursing program to work with their facility in the future.
Hal Becker, referring to background item #9 in the staff report, asked whether the applicant is prepared to complete the sewer improvements that might be necessary for development. Mr. Becker feels that this issue deserves further study. Ms. Coles explained that water and sewer improvements, if needed, are required prior to development, but that they are not required as a stipulation of rezoning.
Ardyce Edstrom commented that an additional medical facility in the area is the Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Ms. Edstrom is concerned that when phase 2 is built at a later date that the landscaping installed at that time will not be as mature as the landscaping in phase 1. She emphasized that the residents of the assisted living units in phase 2 will need nice places outside to sit in the shade.
In response to a query from Charles Jones, Mr. Mullany explained that the phase 1 portion is age restricted and the affordable aspect comes about through the HUD grant that helps with operating costs. Gary LeBlanc asked about what will happen with the development in each phase. The applicants explained that the phase 1 is for affordable elderly housing and the phase 2 is proposed for assisted living. The mix of units in the phase 2 will depend on what the resident population will need in terms of assisted living, memory care and nursing care.
Mr. Becker asked whether neighborhood meetings had been held. Mr. Mullany responded that the neighborhood meeting had been attended by four people. Additionally, there was a meeting and presentation with members of the Cordova Neighborhood Association. Chairman Jak Keyser reported that at the time the HUD application was being made, 12 letters of support for this housing from various community groups were obtained.
The applicant reported that the development will have elevators. Vice Chair Karen Heck noted that she is working on obtaining the same living accommodations for her mother in Colorado and she is in support of this request.
Pamela Fitzgerald asked about security measures for the site. Applicants responded that there will be a perimeter wall, lighting and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles will be employed in the design.
Ardyce Edstrom complimented the applicants, stating that she’s glad they’re not trying “to be everything to everyone” and that the focus of the proposal is simple. She also asked that they make sure there’s a place for the Dial-A-Ride service.
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| 4. |
Announcements and public comments concerning items not on the agenda. For information only; not for discussion or action.
Chairman Jak Keyser showed pictures of progress for the Little Canyon Trail along the east side of Grand Canyon University. A grand opening dedication is scheduled for some time in the Fall. Ms. Coles stated that she’ll be asking the project manager from the Arts and Culture office to come and brief the committee on the project.
Chairman Keyser announced a movie night in the Little Canyon Park at 32nd Avenue and Missouri Avenue on Friday, June 18, 2010. The movie will be Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs.
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