DONE DEAL!
Phoenix approves controversial auto mall
by Kathleen Stinson

NORTH VALLEY – Phoenix City Council gave developer Westcor and a group of North Valley residents what they wanted last week–approval of a special permit to allow auto sales on land in the Sonoran Foothills area east of Interstate‑17.

But tied to the permit approval are 39 stipulations or conditions related to such issues as lighting, traffic and signage worked out between a group of area homeowners association representatives and Westcor. The parties have been meeting for months to come to a consensus on the details.

The unanimous council vote came after a public comment period in which residents both pro and con spoke to the controversial proposal.

Eric Michalak, president of the Carefree Crossings Homeowners Association, pointed out his community is located closest to the proposed auto mall.

“On behalf of the Carefree Crossings HOA, we approve it,” Michalak said. “It took quite a while to put together the stipulations which address traffic, lighting and other issues. It’s just a great compromise, and we hope these stipulations are utilized in future commercial projects in the area.”

“After reviewing the CC&Rs, Design Guidelines and all of the conceptual site plans and elevations, I am satisfied that the project will be done in a very professional and satisfactory manor,” said James Hughes, a Carefree Crossings resident.

According to Rick Robinson, chairman of the Tramonto Residents Alliance, the stipulations and other conditions “are going to force Westcor to build something that is much more upscale than the average development.”

In addition to stipulations the city can enforce, the developer and homeowners association representatives have “an agreement” as to Codes, Covenants & Restrictions and Design Review Guidelines, Robinson said. These added requirements are more detailed and are to be enforced by Westcor against the dealerships. The CC&Rs cover such issues as structural design, storage facilities and paving. Review guidelines cover items such as how often the property is mowed and architectural design.

Westcor spokeswoman Christine Romero related that the developer has not yet set any dates for the next steps in the process–village planning committee, planning commission and city council site plan approval.

“It was a really gratifying experience–we’re glad we were able to work with the community and everyone was able to come together,” Romero said.

The proposed auto mall stipulations include: monument‑style signage; prohibition of exposed neon; “no parking” signs on public streets within the site; signage notifying customers “test driving” is prohibited in area neighborhoods; prohibition of electronic message boards, air socks or inflatable characters; enhanced paving material conditions; shielded lighting; light pole height limits; light level and timing controls; landscape setbacks; enclosed wash, service and body shops; vehicle display rack height limitations; plus installation and use of outside public address system prohibitions, among others.

The developer also agreed to dedicate 22 acres of the site to the city for the Skunk Creek Wash Preserve east of the 114‑acre property.

The developer is further required to submit a conceptual site, signage and landscape plan that must be approved by an additional public hearing process, as stated in the stipulations.

About two years ago, Westcor proposed an auto mall for the southern half of property east of I‑17 just south of Carefree Highway. The developer was immediately met with opposition from area residents. Westcor went back to the drawing board and then proposed an auto mall on the 114 acres bordering Dove Valley Road near I‑17 south of the original location. The company also states it is in preliminary planning to build a shopping, theater and restaurant development on the property directly north of the auto mall. However, Westcor does not presently own the property.

By shifting the auto mall further south and giving residents to the north what they say is badly needed shopping and entertainment venues, numerous residents say they now favor the Westcor proposal.

Reach the reporter at kathleen@thedesertadvocate.com.