Tempe City Council hears from developer on housing project | screenshot from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs6No2_j9Xs
Tempe City Council hears from developer on housing project | screenshot from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs6No2_j9Xs
A member of the Tempe City Council said at a May 4 council meeting, "If I were to vote on this today, I would have voted no" on a proposal to rezone vacant land at 2447 East University Drive from R-2 to R-1PAD to allow for the construction of eight three-story homes.
“I think the building looks beautiful," said Councilwoman Doreen Garlid. "I appreciate that. And the look of it and what it's going to look like there. But I think about this as a neighborhood that's been around since 1945. And those people have not had something that they looked at in their backyard, too. And now you're going to put a three-story building in there. I do think about that neighborhood because it's very beautiful and unique and it houses just an incredible culture. And I worry, even though as beautiful as your project is, what that could do to the neighborhood.”
Her comments came as the council held the first of two scheduled public hearings on the proposed project. No member of the public asked to speak.
Another member of the council, Arlene Chin, said, "We've received some feedback from the neighbors, and what I would simply like to share with you is some encouragement. I encourage you to continue working with our community development staff and the neighbors to address their concerns. I understand you're in conversation with them."
Called Vedana Tempe, the project would have four three-story buildings, each with two housing units.
A representative of the design firm proposing the project, Enlight10 Architecture of Denver, said his firm had been working with city staff for a year. He summarized the project and said the company wasn't requesting any exceptions for height regulations or setback requirements.
The development has a total of 28 parking spaces, with four for guests and 24 for private residents. Enlight10 also has a landscaping plan to meld the parcels into the surrounding area and provide a large amount of greenery. It plans to provide trees and design changes for privacy for all affected parties, he said.
The council has scheduled the second public hearing and a final vote on May 18.
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