A preliminary development plan from Dominium Management to build a master-planned project with affordable and senior housing as well as a commercial component finally secured approval for its request from a divided Surprise City Council.
Resident opposition – particularly in the form of a group known as Voice of Surprise – had been vocal and fierce. Opponents and Council, however, were left with little recourse once Dominium revised its request from a planned area development to a preliminary development plan that fit the scale imposed by Council in 2008.
In presenting the matter to Council, City Manager Bob Wingenroth reminded members of the narrow question before them and that city staff had found the Dominium proposal complied with the 2008 PAD. City Attorney Robert Wingo outlined the extent and limitations of Council’s authority regarding private property and owners’ rights.
During the public comment portion, 12 attendees spoke against the project, while two spoke in favor. A total of 545 signatures in opposition were submitted by an area homeowners association member. Opponents turned out in force, overflowing the chambers.
Resident complaints centered on density, harm to neighborhood character, traffic impacts, the affordability of the planned units, and the possibility of attracting undesirable elements to the area.
Some opponents argued that, contrary to City staff’s findings, the Dominium request did not meet the 2008 plan requirements. In an executive session, the specific complaint was found to be void and invalid.
Dominium’s proposal calls for a 384-unit affordable housing development, a 213-unit affordable senior development, four townhomes and a smaller retail component. All the elements will have to be presented to the Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission as individual site plans, but the matter will not go back before City Council.
Some opponents are reportedly discussing the possibility of a drive to submit the matter for a referendum vote. (Source)
