The Buckeye Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat for a major housing development at its July 27 meeting.
The commission unanimously approved the preliminary plat for 90 duplex lots in the Verrado community master plan zoning overlay district.
Verrado neighborhood’s website says homes are priced between $300,000 and $600,000.
City Planner Sean Banda presented information about the plat, which represents only a small infill portion of the Verrado development. He said the high-density format fits within the urban nature of other neighborhoods in the immediate area.
Commission Chair Charles Trullinger recused himself from the discussion and the vote, as his wife works for a firm involved with the Verrado development.
The 8-acre set of 90 parcels is on the northeast corner of West Thomas Road and North Verrado Way. Banda said a stoplight was recently installed at that intersection.
Forty-five units will be built in duplex form to create the 90 new residences. Banda said staff recommended approval with a list of 24 conditions.
There are two storm drainage areas. One area will be landscaped and will provide a buffer between the Verrado Way-Thomas intersection and the units on the southwest edge of the plat.
The owner/applicant is Richmond America Homes, working with CVL Consultants for planning and engineering.
Regarding parking concerns expressed by resident of a property in an adjoining neighborhood, Banda said there are about 270 spaces that will be available to the 90 units, including 90 two-car garages, 30 marked spaces along one of the main internal streets and another 60 spaces exist around the perimeter of the plat.
Complaints from the public included the need for enforcement, as visitors often park on corners or in marked no-parking areas. One comment urged the commission to reject the plat completely on the basis of density.
Banda said there won’t be a park on the corner of Verrado Way and Thomas, as that would be a busy intersection that isn’t ideal to have next to it. There will be a small park in the center of the neighborhood.
The main access to Interstate 10, for the entire Verrado neighborhood, will be Verrado Way. Banda said plans are to extend a paved Thomas Road all the way to Jackrabbit Trail, to the east, to ensure not all traffic must use the same I-10 exit.
The road widths and spacing between homes was approved by the Buckeye Fire Department, Banda said. There are 24-foot private drives within the community that aren’t unique in Verrado.
However, Buckeye Councilman Craig Heustis, who serves as a liaison the commission, grilled Banda on parking, especially in alleys and access to garages. Banda pointed out similar communities don’t have full two-way access on all alleys and drives at all times, with parking often restricted to one side, or not at all, and one-way driving directions.
Buckeye Fire Marshal Nate Ryan spoke briefly at the meeting, clarifying a required standpipe that allows water to be pumped underground through alleys without having to move hoses or trucks into small, long spaces.
Banda also pointed out that the Buckeye City Council will also need to give final approval of the plat plan and parking and safety stipulations.
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