Opponents call it a high-rise tower that will destroy the character of their neighborhoods. Supporters call it a mid-rise project that will revitalize a key intersection.
More than a year ago the Phoenix City Council approved plans for a condo complex at the northeast corner of 7th Street and Thomas Road, currently part of the parking lot at the Phoenix Country Club.
There was so much pushback from neighbors that the council said the 110 foot project — about 10 to 12 stories tall — could move forward only after the developer made architectural and landscape changes.
During Wednesday’s council meeting, Jim Mahoney with the Phoenix Country Club, said many residents support the plans.
“This $85 million project housing residents with an annual consumer spend of $25 million or greater will be the catalyst that encourages new investment at this important central Phoenix intersection which benefits the surrounding residential neighborhoods and the city at large,” he said.
Critics argued they’re against the height, not the development. Neal Haddad who lives nearby pointed out the city’s voter-approved General Plan doesn’t allow for such height at that location.
“Why did we spend all this money on light rail and not have projects like this use it?” he said. “A project like this should be a part of the densely designed Central Avenue corridor. This project is plunked down where it is, not because urban planning dictates it, but because the property owner wants it there. This is the very definition of spot zoning. Isn’t spot zoning illegal?”
The council unanimously approved a zoning change to allow the development to move forward under certain design guidelines.
