Following extensive negotiations between area residents and landowner The Lines Family and its development team, the Phoenix City Council recently voted to approve a planned unit development request for Gila Foothills, a 290-acre project area in Laveen.
Planned uses for the site near Estrella Drive and 51st Avenue include an auto mall, a hospital with a Level 1 trauma center, single- and multifamily housing, and other supporting uses.
Since the plan was initially proposed, some residents have complained about the proposed density of housing, the presence of the auto mall, the possible height of the hospital, and general impacts on traffic and neighborhood character.
In last week’s Council meeting, the various parties largely thanked each other for their willingness to negotiate and compromise to address concerns, although some residents still oppose components of the plan.
The developers initially planned a total of 2,200 residential units. The first 1,700 could have been built on whatever timeline the developers saw fit, and the remaining 500 would have come after a deal was in place with a hospital operator for the healthcare facility. Opponents argued the total unit count should be 1,700, 1,200 of which could be built initially and the remaining 500 dependent on the hospital.
A compromise was reached in which the developer could “earn” additional units depending on how it met milestones desired by residents. Under the current proposal, the developers can build an initial 1,200 units and the 500 that are contingent upon the hospital. Another 250 would be permitted if 15 acres of retail and restaurant uses were built. Another 150 could come if units are age-restricted for residents aged 55-plus. The remaining 100 would be allowed if they were developed and platted as for-sale townhomes.
Single-family components of the new development will be developed next to the existing single-family neighborhood, with apartments and rental housing moved to other portions of the property.
Some residents continue to express opposition to the auto mall, which will be one of the first components built. An agreement is already in place with an electric vehicle dealership. Project representatives have said the auto mall will be built as close to the freeway and as far from South Mountain as possible.
The planned resort will be on approximately 50 acres nearest to South Mountain. No resort operator has been identified, but conversations have taken place with at least three interested companies. (Source)
