Project density raises concern

A Phoenix zoning attorney has presented plans for vacant land at Tatum Boulevard and Greenway Road, including 167 homes on 16 acres.

Attorney Michael Curley shared the plans with adjacent neighbors in late September.

Pete Hickok, leader of the Dakota Block Watch on the north edge of the vacant land, said Curley and property owner Michael Lieb proposed clusters of three to five two-story homes on the parcel.

Hickok said they planned to ask for zoning that permits 10 to 12 attached residences per acre, or five to 6.5 detached homes.

The zoning allows up to 12 detached homes per acre if the development meets certain upgraded criteria regarding open space, amenities and landscaping.

Hickok said the community is "not comfortable" with the proposed density and is especially concerned about two-story homes on the northern and western edges of the site where it abuts existing neighborhoods.

"We understand they are revising some things, so we will see what they have to offer," Hickok said. "We appreciate the developer getting with us and trying to get us some information."

Curley was not available for comment.

Neighbors also expressed concerns about drainage and the amount of open space.

The neighborhoods around the parcel permit three to 4.5 homes per acre, and some residents hope to persuade the developer to seek that type of zoning.

The land, on the northwestern corner of the intersection, has been the subject of a previous zoning case that residents vigorously opposed but lost. James Shough was permitted to build a small strip center at the Tatum-Greenway corner.

The first store there, Walgreens, opened Oct. 1.


by Michael Clancy The Arizona Republic Oct. 9, 2010 12:00 AM




Project density raises concern