More homes, more affordable living in Anderson Farms, says zoning board

Correction: A previous version of this story stated the dwelling units per acre would increase from approximately 7 to 10. It will be 7.

Maricopa’s Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing today for some big changes to the upcoming Anderson Farms development .

The new proposal will replace the 15 acres of high-density housing with more than 28 acres of commercial zoning on the northwest corner of Bowlin and Hartman Roads. In one area of the development, it will also introduce lot sizes 5 to 10 feet smaller in width, though the number of units per acre will remain at 7 due to green space surrounding the phased area.

The smaller lots would focus on two series of single-family homes, which range in size from 740 to 1400 square feet and optional garages.

A staff report said the lot size change was part of “ an effort to combat rising home prices and provide attainable housing options for future residents” and recommended approval.

However, it wasn’t met without some controversy. Most Maricopa residents who voiced their stances on social media said they did not approve of increasing residential density, believing it would add to population and traffic congestion.

“Smaller or not, [it] will still add more traffic to the 347,” Acacia Crossings resident Carol Swindall wrote. “Can we just stop building residential for now?”

Glennwilde resident Sue VanGosen expressed concern the homes would just be purchased by investors to become rentals.

“My concern is that the homes will be bought by corporate and become large sections of more rental properties,” she wrote. “There are already too many homes bought up as rental properties in the city.”

However, no members of the public spoke during a call to the public.

Commissioners expressed a variety of concerns, including the lack of covered parking for a “clean” look and access for emergency vehicles on smaller residential roads without garages. However, they approved the amendment unanimously.

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