Aria prepares to sing for rezoning request

May 26—North Scottsdale neighbors may or may not be singing its praise when a project called Aria at Silverstone makes an operatic request.

When the curtain raises for Aria, John Berry — the Placido Domingo of Scottsdale rezoning attorneys — will attempt to carry a tune about a 115-unit townhome development floating like a butterfly next to its neighbors.

After all, Berry can argue, the existing Silverstone development east of Scottsdale Road between Williams Drive and Pinnacle Peak Road is already filled with residences.

"The proposed two-story for-sale residential community will consist of platted single-family lots similar to other K. Hovnanian residential communities in Scottsdale and in Silverstone," states Berry's application, submitted to the city April 23.

The undeveloped land that developer K. Hovnanian hopes will become Aria is adjacent to the San Portales "luxury apartments," where rent begins at $1,700 per month.

Those who feel One Scottsdale and other developers at work have made the area too crowded might call the application misguided ("la traviata," in translation) — as the current zoning allows only for office/commercial development.

Plans for development north of the Loop 101 have consistently been met with cries of "too much traffic" by neighbors, though the apartment and condo complexes have been approved by Scottsdale City Council and development boards.

According to the Aria application, "office development is not viable given the land use context, proximity to the 101 freeway, and market changes post COVID."

At the corner of Scottsdale Road and Williams Drive, the 16-acre Aria lot is the last undeveloped portion of Silverstone.

Council approved the Silverstone Master Plan 18 years ago, allowing for mixed-use zoning, with certain multifamily residential districts, including what became the Vi Living senior living healthcare facility.

Restaurants and shops were later added to what has become a bustling area.

Aria's application states it will have many green/sustainable features, such as:

—Low-flow energy efficient plumbing fixtures;

—Energy Star certified appliances;

—Energy efficient HVAC systems that exceed Department of Energy requirements;

—LED lighting;

—Architecturally integrated solar relief on windows and doors.

Asked for further comment, Berry stated that since no hearings have been scheduled, it would be premature for him to discuss a project that is still in the "rehearsal" stages.

Aria's preliminary design is described in the application as "modern Mediterranean."

Those who wish to comment or receive more information on the Scottsdale Planning Project 15-ZN-2005#4 Aria at Silverstone may call Planning at 480-312-7767 or visit scottsdaleaz.gov/planning-development.