The Planning and Zoning Commission is recommending the Town Council approve a zoning change to allow a condominium project at Indigo and Emerald drives.

With about two dozen area residents at the April 9 meeting, commissioners listened to comments from about six before voting 6-0 to recommend the change, adding stipulations to the approval.

Commissioner Stan Connick excused himself from the discussion and vote.

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.

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

Town Senior Planer Bob Rodgers did note 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.

Bill Pape, who lives in a single-family residence on the east side of Indigo Drive, said the area is a single-family neighborhood and he believes the developer came into town attempting to “bulldoze” the plan through the P&Z and council.

He said with multi-family units on that lot it would degrade property values.

“I was disappointed that the developer came into town and made no effort to contact the neighbors,” Pape said.

Bruce Lubitz, owner of the property and project developer, said he owed the neighbors an apology.

“I’ve been doing this 44 years and I have always held a neighborhood meeting,” Lubitz said.

He cited medical issues as the reason for not meeting with the residents, and said he is willing to set up a meeting.

Serene Seeger, also a neighbor, said she believes the proposed condo building would decrease property values.

James Waddell with the Fountain Hills NPOA said his group believes the project is not compatible with single-family homes across the street.

Commission Vice Chairman Mike Archambault said he does not believe the project will devalue any of the single family properties nearby.

Lubitz 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.