By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
The Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission will consider two proposals this week that, if built as planned, could deliver more than 600 new residential units to the north side of the city.
Ascent Mystic
Ascent Companies is proposing a 142-unit townhome and 288 apartment development on slightly more than 28 gross acres at the NWC of El Mirage and West Westland roads.
Ascent Mystic Townhomes, planned for 13 acres on the west side of the property, will feature 74 two-bedroom and 68 three-bedroom units. Buildings would be two stories with a height of 30 feet. The plan also includes a 6KSF clubhouse.
The apartments are planned for 15 gross acres on the east side of the property. Buildings will be three stories at 39.5 feet, according to the submitted site plan.
Ascent Mystic Apartments are planned for 156 one-bedroom, 120 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom units. A 7KSF clubhouse is also included.
Both sides will have a fitness center in their clubhouses, as well as a dog park area, a pool and other outdoor amenities.
Since the site currently has a maximum allowed height of 36 feet, a major amendment to the Lake Pleasant Heights Planned Community District will be required. Ascent Companies’ request for 3.5 additional feet in height will allow for the installation of HVAC units on top of the buildings. “…The desire is to place the air conditioning (ac) units for the 3-story apartments on the roof rather than installed on the ground in order to reduce visual clutter and maximize the usability of the open space areas,” according to the staff report.
Following a June neighborhood meeting, planning staff reports having received three statements of opposition and three requests for additional information. Opponents expressed a desire to keep multifamily development out of the area as well as concerns about potential traffic impacts, loss of view, negative effects on property value and increases in crime.
Ascent Companies is the owner. triARC Architecture & Design is the design firm. Collaborative V Design Studio, Inc. is the landscape planner. The project is represented by Withey Morris Baugh.
Prestige Homes on Lake Pleasant Parkway
Prestige Development Enterprises, LLC is requesting rezoning from agricultural to planned area development for 21.03 gross acres at the NEC of Jomax Road and Lake Pleasant Parkway to allow the development of 179 Build-to-Rent residential units.
Prestige Homes on Lake Pleasant Parkway is planned for 58 one-bedroom, 81 two-bedroom and 40 three-bedroom units. The development plan includes “resort-inspired resident amenities, such as a fitness center, swimming pool and spa (featuring lounge chairs, ramada with flat screen TV and fireplace), community barbeque, leasing office, and substantial active and passive open space areas,” according to the project narrative.
In addition to individual yards, the plan calls for active open space areas distributed throughout the development for access by all the community’s residents.
Nearby resident opinions have been mixed, with nearly equal numbers of statements submitted in support and opposition. Supporters have largely signed onto a templated document prepared by the development team that expresses the project’s benefits, including diversification of housing stock, additional residents to support area businesses, improved walkability and trail access, and added sales taxes and employment opportunities.
Opposition is a mix of both individual statements and a coordinated response. Using the email subject line, “Rentals in West Wing Elementary,” organized opponents’ templated message claims they represent “the overwhelming majority of tax payers (sic)” in the area and express worries about overcrowded schools, traffic congestion, lack of public transportation service and general “quality of life” impacts.
Prestige Development Enterprises is the owner. Felten Group is the design firm. Westland Engineering & Environmental Services is the landscape planner. Land planning is through Bowman. The project is represented by Snell & Wilmer.
