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Controversial condo plan goes to council

Posted 5/6/15

The Town Council will consider a request from a condominium developer for a zoning change on property at Indigo and Emerald drives, just east of Fountain Hills Boulevard and north of Kingstree …

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Controversial condo plan goes to council

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The Town Council will consider a request from a condominium developer for a zoning change on property at Indigo and Emerald drives, just east of Fountain Hills Boulevard and north of Kingstree Boulevard.

The 1.24-acre property is zoned for single-family residential in the R1-18 zoning district.

The developer is planning to build a four-unit luxury condominium building on the lot and is requesting a change to R-3 zoning, which allows for multi-family.

It is adjacent to other condominiums to the west along Fountain Hills Boulevard as well as other single-family residential.

Town Senior Planner Bob Rodgers stated in his staff report that the town’s General Plan, which is adopted by public vote (the last version in 2010), designates the property for multi-family residential for up to 10 units.

Bruce Lubitz, developer for the plan, said he is planning the project to market affluent retirees.

“They no longer want the burden of home ownership but do not wish to compromise their lifestyle and downsize to a small casita or townhome environment,” Lubitz said.

The Palazzo di Lusso, translated to “palace of luxury,” would have four units of 2,700 square feet each.

The project will have the look of a large single-family mansion, according to Lubitz. There will be two gated entry points.

It will be a two-story structure with a grand two-story lobby with elevator and second floor concierge station. There will be basement parking for eight autos and storage lockers for each tenant.

In spite of the project being built as condominiums, Lubitz said the plan is to rent each unit.

The Fountain Hills project would be the first of five to be built in the Phoenix area, according to Lubitz. There are two planned for Flagstaff.

There were several residents at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting who objected to the project.

They said it would be a detriment to their property values and was not appropriate for the nearby single family homes.

The commission voted 6-0 to recommend the council approve the rezoning request.

The Town Council meets Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.