Neighbors Unite for Harmony in Local Development

A proposed apartment complex at the northeast corner of 21st Street and Turney will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on September 5, drawing significant opposition from local residents (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).

On August 6, two development proposals were discussed during a meeting of the Camelback East Village Planning Committee (VPC), attracting considerable attention from residents. Both plans aim to contribute to Phoenix’s Housing Phoenix initiative, which seeks to create or preserve 50,000 housing units by 2030, while addressing the concerns of long-standing neighborhoods.

These discussions are framed by the city’s 2025 General Plan, which emphasizes the need for development that respects the character and identity of neighborhoods. This plan will be put to a vote this November, reinforcing the principles of community identity and sustainable growth.

The first project presented was a Planned Unit Development (PUD) seeking to rezone 2.01 acres at 18th Place and Indian School Road for mixed-use multifamily residential with commercial space on the ground floor. The initial design proposed 91 units, later adjusted to 76 market-rate apartments, consisting of various sizes within a four-story structure. Concerns from residents highlighted potential traffic issues, particularly due to the proximity of State Route 51, which could funnel additional vehicles into already congested local streets.

Melissa Rhodes, a resident of the Peters View neighborhood, expressed her apprehension, noting that the influx of 50-60 cars daily could overwhelm the area’s infrastructure. “The neighborhood was never designed for that much traffic,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for better traffic management before approving such developments.

Neighbors voiced additional issues regarding privacy and community character, arguing that the proposed four-story building would disrupt the quaint, low-rise nature of their established homes. Rhodes argued for smaller developments, suggesting two-story townhomes would be more appropriate for the area.

Proposed changes at the northwest corner of 18th Place and Indian School Road have sparked concerns among residents (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).

Further discussions revolved around a second proposal to rezone land at 21st Street and Turney Avenue for another multifamily development. This plan involves constructing a 48-foot building with 75 market-rate apartments, also raising concerns about density and traffic. Local resident John Paletta, who has lived in the area for 45 years, recounted his experiences with past developments and the compromises reached to maintain neighborhood character. He warned against allowing further density increases without comprehensive planning.

Paletta and fellow residents expressed frustration over what they perceive as an encroachment of high-density developments into their predominantly single-family neighborhoods. “They’re trying to set a precedent in Central Phoenix for four-story buildings in established areas,” he said, advocating for collaborative dialogue to reach a more compatible development model.

During the VPC meeting, members ultimately voted against recommending the Turney project, citing conflicts with the General Plan which underscores the importance of maintaining neighborhood scale and character. VPC member Larry Whitesell pointed out that the proposal failed to align with stated goals and recommended that developers reassess their plans to better cater to community needs.

As residents prepare for the upcoming Planning Commission meeting, they emphasize their willingness to engage with developers. Paletta articulated the sentiment of many neighbors, stating, “We’re not just saying no; we want to negotiate for something that fits our neighborhood.”

For more details regarding these development cases, information is available through the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department.