The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved the concept plan for a large mixed-use development on 12.24 acres in the Town Center area of Fountain Hills.

Americana Development and Building Co. LLC presented its plan for Copper Ridge to the commission at its July 14 regular meeting. The commission voted 6-0 in support of the concept plan.

The plan is for a retirement-style village for the site that extends from La Montana Drive along the Avenue of the Fountains, then north along Westby Drive to Palisades Boulevard.

The developer is seeking a parking reduction, but is working on that through a development agreement to be considered by the Town Council in August.

They are also attempting to work through a building height issue for a portion of the four-story independent living complex.

Interim Development Services Director Bob Rodgers said much of the building height issues are being mitigated by the slope of the property. The highest point for most of the building is 40 feet from the street level grade. Excavation cuts are offsetting much of that. However, there is a small portion at the east end of the independent complex where the height exceeds 40 feet even though its extended plane is the same as the rest of the building.

Dan Carter, a partner in Americana Development, said they are working with the town and the development agreement to resolve the issue.

The proposal calls for a three phase project beginning with a four-story, 132-unit independent senior living apartment building. This is an age restricted facility with a minimum age of 62, according to Carter.

Phase 1 also includes a single-story, 19,000 square-foot community clubhouse including offices, theater, restaurant/bar, gym, pool/spa and multi-purpose room.

A community park doubling as a storm water detention basin is planned along with a garden, walking paths, dog park, putting/chipping greens and bocce courts.

Commissioner Stan Connick asked whether the park would be for public use. Carter said it would be for resident use only. The park site addresses a rather complex drainage issue.

“This is primarily a drainage facility,” Carter said. “We are making the best use of the situation we have here.”

The second phase of construction will include a two-story 80,000 square-foot assisted living facility with 60 apartment units and 52 memory care/physical rehabilitation beds.

Phase 3 A is a 12,000 square-foot single story commercial retail building at La Montana and Avenue of the Fountains.

Phase 3 B is a two-story commercial professional or medical office building. This is a 30,000 square-foot structure.

A resident, Richard Crawford, sent an email copied to all council and commission members as well as senior staff, objecting to the project.

“Another senior center? This really isn’t what the people of the town want – is it?” Crawford asked. “Would this not be three facilities in a quite small area and so near and within the Town Center?

“I am a senior. I respect and feel seniors are to have their place. However, the locations for these facilities is unprecedented in any town/city I have ever lived or been to.”

He adds that most services the residents will need will be contained within the village. He said he sees no possible way these facilities can succeed and end as a burden to the community and taxpayers.

“Why does it seem that something is not above the table on these recent proposals for these facilities?” Crawford said. “It appears someone is benefitting from these facilities being built and it is not the taxpayers of Fountain Hills.”

The project also will have a development agreement to be considered by the Town Council along with a special use permit for residential use in a C-2 zoning district, and a cut waiver to be considered by the council to accommodate construction into sloping terrain.

Commission Chairman Mike Archambault said he appreciated the relief of the architectural design. He said it breaks up the walls and softens the corners.

The commission voted unanimously, 6-0 to approve the concept plan. Commissioner Roger Owers was absent. Commissioner Howard Jones participated by telephone.

The council will consider the plan and development agreement at its Thursday, Aug. 18 meeting.