Surprise city council approves zone change from commercial
By Jason Stone | Daily Independent
A vacant lot at Cactus and Reems roads is finally getting development — but it’s not what was originally intended for it.
The City Council voted Jan. 7 to rezone about 15 acres of commercial land in the southwest corner of the intersection to a residential home.
More specifically, Vita Communities is bringing more rental homes to Surprise, instead of the original plans for a shopping center or even a gas station at the intersection.
The approval calls for 149 rental units, mostly studios and one-bedroom homes over 15 acres. It also includes parking for 270 cars.
Despite heavy opposition last spring, including from Councilman Patrick Duffy, who serves the area, the corner will become one-story rental homes, instead of retail stores.
