The coalition monitors governmental and commercial activity that may affect the quality of life for residents in the Dove Valley area of North Phoenix.

In May, local representatives of Trammell Crow Co. briefed Hulka and Rich on the developer’s plans for the 17.5 acre parcel at the southeast corner of Cave Creek Road and Rancho Paloma. The representatives were attorney Jason Morris of Phoenix law firm Withey Anderson & Morris, and David Goodman, who Hulka identified as a “PR person.”

The two representatives told Hulka and Rich that Dallas‑based Trammell Crow wants to change the Phoenix General Plan designation so the number of units for the parcel could be increased to 5‑10 from its current 0‑2. The purpose of that change, said Hulka, is so the firm can build a 114‑unit condominium complex on the land.

“However,” she continued, “Morris and Goodman told us that if Trammell Crow gets the General Plan changed, the company would then request a zoning change for the parcel.” With that change, then Trammell Crow could build apartments rather than condos, Hulka said.

Morris did not return calls placed by The Desert Advocate seeking comment.

Besides the potential for apartments, Hulka and Rich have other concerns about the proposed development. They say the look and the number of the buildings as outlined in preliminary drawings, a total of 16 structures, is significant.

“One of the comments we’ve heard about the proposed condos is that they look like army barracks,” said Rich. Other issues they cited are the lack of space between buildings, the potential disturbance of natural washes, and the added traffic.

“Assuming 114 units, we can count on at least an additional 660 plus vehicle trips daily added to this already busy area,” said Hulka.

Reach the reporter at barry@thedesertadvocate.com