P&Z to consider controversial rezoning request
A controversial rezoning request for property at the northwest corner of East 24th Street and South Avenue 9E is on the agenda for the Yuma Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Monday, however, the discussion might take place behind closed doors.
The agenda notes that an “executive session may be called during this public meeting for the purpose of receiving legal advice” on this item. The meeting is set for 4:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1 City Plaza.
The rezoning request appears to be identical to one submitted two years ago, which many neighbors opposed. It would have changed the zoning from agriculture to medium-density housing on the sevenacre property. Representatives of Saguaro Desert Land said the intent was to build about 85 apartments.
The City Council approved the rezoning over widespread objections from nearby residents who said the project would worsen traffic and school overcrowding along 24th Street east of Araby Road.
The opponents gathered enough signatures to put the issue to voters in a November 2016 ballot referendum, where 60 percent rejected it.
In a neighborhood meeting held last month, William Katz, an attorney representing Saguaro Desert Land, said one key difference between now and two years ago is that owners, brothers and developers Brian and Michael Hall are not set on building apartments.
They are considering other types of housing, including condominiums or townhomes, Katz said.
In other action, two preliminary plats will be coming before the commission. Dahl, Robins and Associates, on behalf of The Nelson Family Trust 4/13/95 and Kerry & Gail Schimpf Trust 11/19/03, are requesting approval of the preliminary plat for The Fields at Castle Dome Subdivision.
This commercial subdivision will contain 25 acres. Plans call for creating sev- en lots ranging size from 1.22 acres to 8 acres. The property is located north of the intersection of East 8th Street and South Castle Dome Avenue.
Dahl, Robins and Associates, on behalf of Jakolin LLC, will also be asking for approval of the preliminary plat for Villa Serena Subdivision Units 1 and 2. The developer proposes dividing 33.36 acres into 82 residential lots, ranging in size from 8,937 square feet to 25,582 square feet, for the property located at the northwest corner of South Avenue 6E and East 48th Street.
The commission will be holding three public hearings. The first involves a request by Nicklaus Engineering, on behalf of the city, for a conditional use permit to allow a new Utilities Administration Complex in the Light Industrial/Infill Overlay and High Density Residential/Infill Overlay District, within 600 feet of a residential zoning district and use, for the property at 200 W. 13th St.
The city’s Utilities Administration Complex will be located on a 3.526-acre lot and will be used as a new office facility with workshops and a warehouse for the Utilities Department.
Vega & Vega Engineering, on behalf of JRS Mobile Service, is also asking for a conditional use permit that would allow an industrial use within 600 feet of residential uses and zoning in the Light Industrial District on the property located at 2697 S. Avenue 2½ E.
JR’s Mobile Service wants to build a diesel mechanic shop. Although primarily a mobile business, if a vehicle could not be repaired in the field, it would be brought back to this location for repairs.
Colvin Engineering, on behalf of Elliott Construction, is requesting a major general plan amendment to change the land use from commercial to low density residential for 4.87 acres located at the southeast corner of South Araby Road and East 32nd Street.
This is the second of two public hearings on this case, which was continued from Oct. 8.
View the complete agenda and staff reports at www.yumaaz.gov.
Editor’s note: Reporter Blake Herzog contributed to this story.