By Scott Shumaker | East Valley Tribune
In a 3-2 vote last week, the Mesa Planning and Zoning Board voted to deny recommending a 26-unit townhome project for City Council approval near Gilbert and McKellips roads.
The project sparked a fierce backlash from residents of the single-family neighborhood to the west of the project, with dozens turning out to the hearing to voice concerns about the density proposed for the 1.8-acre site and the resulting impacts on the neighborhood.
The vote came after a long hearing with 21 public comments plus nine additional cards opposing the project but not wishing to speak.
After the vote, attendees expressed joy and some disbelief at the result of the hearing.
With the board’s decision, the Farmhouses project is down but not out; the applicant can still take the request to the council, which has the option to ignore its recommendation and approve the zone change and Bonus Intensity Zone overlay.
