(Editor’s note: News releases are published as submitted unless there are errors of fact.)
City of Avondale
After months of stakeholder input, public meetings and hearings, the Avondale City Council on Monday (Sept. 9) approved a new specific plan for its city core, formerly known as Avondale City Center. Rebranded as The BLVD (The Boulevard), the revised specific plan now covers 356 acres comprising six trendy district concepts for shopping, dining, entertainment and living, with pedestrian-friendly street and outdoor activities.
The new and improved plan allows for incremental development to address market demands, reduced regulations, along with public-private development partnership opportunities. Along with the City’s economic development toolbox for streamlined approvals and business assistance programs, The BLVD will be one of the West Valley’s newest exciting mixed-use destinations for developers.
“The plan was updated to reflect evolving market and other conditions, while fulfilling the Council’s vision and expectations for a quality unique and pedestrian friendly area that will attract future development,’ said Jodie Novak, assistant director for Development and Engineering Services.
The City Council also approved on Monday night an amendment to its General Plan to align with the new Specific Plan, and revised its Zoning Ordinance to create a new opt-in zoning process while keeping the original City Center zoning district in the zoning ordinance. Individual properties will be eligible to be rezoned to the new district or may choose to keep the existing CCD zoning. All projects are subject to approval by the City Council and in accordance with the updated Specific Plan’s district concepts, circulation, open space, and development form. This will allow individual properties more flexibility with customized zoning.
For more information on The BLVD, please contact Cheryl Covert at (623) 333-1400 www.avondaleaz.gov/TheBLVD
