Following the input of City staff, the Apache Junction Planning and Zoning Commission recommended against a planned 146-unit Banyan Residential affordable housing community at the SWC of Virginia Street and Rennick Drive.
AZBEX was the first outlet to report on Banyan – Rennick & Virginia when a previously planned Planning and Zoning hearing was continued. (AZBEX; May 1)
Banyan has requested rezoning from high-density multiple-family residential to high-density multiple-family residential by planned development.
The plan will make use of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and focus primarily on the workforce housing demographic if ultimately approved by City Council and constructed.
A local news outlet reported planning staff said they were not supportive of the proposal, the site context or a 27-space parking reduction request. They referenced surrounding uses and planned height in their recommendation.
Project representatives from the law firm of Snell & Wilmer told the Commission the development meets most of Apache Junction’s standards for high-density multifamily zoning, with the exception of the planned parking. They said the proposed parking will be able to accommodate the generated demand. The submittal requests 290 spaces, where 317 are required.
A previously approved site plan called for 124 units distributed over 17 buildings. Snell & Wilmer said in the project narrative the planned development will address part of the area’s housing needs, and the development will be no taller than 27 feet, appreciably shorter than the 40 feet the zoning standards allow.
The Commission voted 6-0 to recommend denial.
City Council was scheduled to discuss the request in a July 6 study session, after this issue went to press. A hearing is scheduled for July 21. (Source: Independent Newsmedia)
