Rose Law Group Reporter
The Maricopa City Council has unanimously approved rezoning for the 776-acre Anderson Russell Planned Area development. Anderson Russell is the first planned area Development the city has approved under the its new zoning ordinance and becomes the largest community to be rezoned in Maricopa since before the economic downturn. Anderson Russell, owned by Anderson Russell, LLC, was annexed into the city in 2012 and is planned for a mix of residential, commercial, office and business uses.
The owner was represented by Court Rich of the Rose Law Group who told the council the proposed community includes a unique mix of apartments, high and low-density housing, retail, and businesses that makes the community a first of its kind in Maricopa. The opportunity to one day provide housing options that do not currently exist in the city was a key attribute of the project touted by proponents.
Rich explained the stipulations attached to the zoning and agreed upon by the owner, protect the city while permitting the owner to continue forward through the more detailed engineering process. The council vote overturned a recommendation of denial from the Planning and Zoning Commission and went against a recommendation against the project from city staff.
Councilwoman Nancy Smith explained her support for the project by emphasizing the protection the city receives from the stipulations, which was echoed by Mayor Christian Price. Price also argued the city should be supportive of those who seek to bring jobs and investment into Maricopa.
