The Planning and Zoning Commission has delayed a decision on a recommendation for a special use permit from a developer wanting to build residential housing units within a commercial zoning district in Fountain Hills.
Wilson Ejim is proposing to build 11 residential, what he is describing as cottages, spread across three different parcels in the commercially zoned plat northeast of Fountain Hills and El Pueblo boulevards. The parcel was originally platted in the mid-1970s. A few structures were built early on and have over the years served as a convenience/liquor store, a private school and some offices. More recently there has been some mixed development with residential over commercial. This includes one structure currently under construction. There are also some approved apartment projects that have not begun construction.
Ejim originally had his plans before the commission early this year. However, commission members saw significant issues with the proposal and unanimously voted to recommend denial. Before the council considered the request Ejim began working on an updated plan to address some of the commission concerns. He asked that the council, instead of considering the original plan, ask the commission to consider the updated proposal. That was the subject of the commission’s Aug. 11 meeting.
