Evangelical church, community proposed for Cave Creek Road
by Brian DiTullio

NORTH PHOENIX – A new church, homes and some commercial space are being proposed for the corner of Cave Creek Road and Peak View Road.

Signs went up recently along Cave Creek Road, notifying residents of a General Plan Amendment proposal for the area encompassing an approximate 19.5 acres. Currently, the area is designated low‑density residential, but the proposal asks for 4.53 acres of commercial zoning and slightly higher‑density residential for the remaining acreage.

The planning staff for the City of Phoenix are recommending approval of the amendment so the area may act as a buffer between the “higher intensity uses” to the north and the residential and open space to the south, according to city documents.

The site includes the construction of an evangelical church about 15,000 square feet in size with an outdoor concert area, horseshoe pits, gazebos and volleyball courts.

Ben Garrett, one of the developers on the project, said the goal is to build the community around the church.

“We plan on having a day care center, after school programs ... . We don’t want that place to be empty all week and the parking lot is full on Sunday,” said Garrett.

As for the commercial area, Garrett said his group wants to attract family‑friendly businesses that would include restaurants, bakeries, appliance stores and other light commercial.

“We definitely want a coffee shop there,” he said.

Staff proposed several stipulations to ensure a pedestrian‑friendly environment, including paving all pedestrian walkways and connecting all businesses to the residential via walking paths.

The Desert View Village Planning Committee tabled the zoning request at its April meeting, but will bring it up again at their May meeting. The proposal would also have to pass through Phoenix zoning and be approved by Phoenix City Council.