In unusual twist, board asks for more apartments

Apr. 3—On many occasions, particularly when apartment units are involved, Scottsdale volunteer board members and commissioners ask developers to reduce the size of their plans.

But asking for more?

This scenario came about at the March 21 Development Review Board meeting — though board members stopped short of saying, "Please sir, I want some more apartments."

When locals think of the bustling intersection of Shea Boulevard and Scottsdale Road, they might think food: Butterfield's Pancake House, Caramba Mexican Food, Happy Hamburgers, Andiamo Pizza, Pita Jungle, U.S. Egg — just to name a few.

Or they might think shopping and services: Safeway, North Scottsdale Loan and Gold Shop, Sky High Smoke Shop, Red Star CBD, GNC, CVS and dozens more.

This mini-downtown almost always seems busy — but developers say they want to "flip" an unsuccessful business venture into scores of apartments.

According to the people behind Cosanti Commons, "This proposal will bring an estimated $100 million reinvestment to a struggling retail center."

Formerly known as Sundown Commons, Cosanti Commons nods to Paolo Soleri, the famed Italian architect behind Cosanti Foundation and Arcosanti.

At 7000 Shea Boulevard, High Street Residential plans to develop 9 acres west of one of the city's busiest intersections.

First, however, the city must approve the developer's rezoning request to "allow for a synergistic mixed-use community comprised of existing commercial/retail and new residential development including housing for first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers."

High Street Residential, represented by veteran Scottsdale zoning attorney John Berry, received a first approval on a long march to rezoning with a Development Review Board thumbs up.

The original plan was for four stories — but the developer agreed to drop that to three.

After feedback from neighbors, "We have opted to eliminate the fourth story on this project," Berry said.

"There will be a reduction in units to about 196," the zoning attorney said, adding the building has been moved back further from Shea Boulevard.

"We listened to the community and made those changes," Berry said. "This is an underground-parked project."

The attorney pointed to a partnership with the Cosanti Foundation.

The project, he said, will provide the Cosanti Foundation — headquartered a half-mile away in Paradise Valley — with dedicated exhibit space to display artwork and provide use of "flex space" for the Cosanti Foundation's educational programs.

"We have a great relationship with Chaparral High School," Berry added.

More?

"It's a project that's well done," board member Jeffrey Brand said. "It's a huge commitment to push all parking below ground."

Brand added he would have been fine with the project as a four-story building.

"I think this is a beautiful project," board member Michal Joyner agreed. "I really liked the fourth story."

David Mason, another board member, also said a fourth floor should be added back to the project.

The three board members urged Berry to bring back the fourth floor when he goes before the Planning Commission and City Council.

But comments from Councilwoman Betty Janik, a voting member of the Development Review Board, made it clear the reduction of a floor was her idea.

"In my mind — to go up to the fourth is an affront to the citizens," Janik said.

She said most of the apartment buildings in the area rise only to two stories.

"I have to thread a needle," she said, addressing Berry. "And for that reason, I requested and you agreed you would reduce it to three levels."

After Brand's motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission and City Council, the other voting board members agreed with him.

Development Review Board member Ali Fakih, the civil engineer of Cosanti Commons, recused himself and did not vote.

'Too much density'

There were no speakers for or against the project at the Development Review Board meeting.

Sundown Commons hosted an open house about the project June 19 at the nearby Holiday Inn Express.

Seven people attended.

"I do not want that lot built into more residences in an already densely populated area," Susan Raisanen wrote on a comment card.

"Plus," she added, "rentals instead of ownership eventually become trashy."

"I do not like more and more rental units going up on this corner," Melanie White wrote.

"My concern is the traffic ... we already have seen many, many multifamily rental units approved and being built and I think we need to preserve some of the charm and originality of Scottsdale."

Two others emailed their opposition.

"I am opposed to this project because of the residential density in the area," wrote Rebecca Harrell.

Those against the addition of the apartments to Shea and Scottsdale will have the opportunity to make their cases when the project goes to the Planning Commission and Scottsdale City Council.

The latter has the ultimate say on the rezoning request.