Goodyear to consider 1,505-acre rezoning project

By Mary Goldmeer
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The Goodyear City Council is set to hold a public hearing Monday to consider a major rezoning request for roughly 1,505 acres of vacant land in the Estrella community.

The proposal seeks to rezone the site from the Estrella Phase II Planned Area Development to a new PAD designation known as Estrella 14. The property is east of Estrella Parkway and south of Estrella Foothills High School.

If approved, Ordinance No. 2025-1639 would update zoning entitlements dating back more than 35 years to allow for a modern, mixed-use development featuring residential, commercial and civic spaces.

The rezoning also would support a second commercial core in Estrella, complementing the existing retail center near Estrella Parkway and Elliot Road.

The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Sept. 10 and voted 5–1 to recommend approval, with stipulations. Commissioners raised questions about housing density, infrastructure needs, school capacity and the project’s impact on nearby single-family neighborhoods.

The applicant responded with a presentation, and discussion focused on the lack of transition between multifamily and single-family areas, as well as the timing of road improvements on Cotton Lane.

Public feedback has been divided. Three residents spoke in opposition during the Sept. 10 hearing, citing concerns about construction traffic, high-density housing, and potential impacts to parks and wildlife. One resident spoke in favor, citing new retail and dining options as a benefit of population growth.

An additional seven residents submitted speaker cards in opposition but did not speak, while two submitted cards in support.

Earlier this year, two neighborhood meetings were held, one in March with about 200 attendees, and a second in July with about 85 attendees. Residents raised concerns about commercial development, infrastructure, schools, and traffic circulation.

According to city staff, the Estrella 14 PAD is intended to align with the city’s general plan and respond to current housing and market demands. The plan proposes a mix of residential densities, parks, open space, trail connections and community amenities, including a recreation center.

The rezoning would permit medium-density housing near a future commercial core, with lower-density single-family homes planned farther out. The project would also expand Estrella’s existing trail system and provide approximately 18% open space throughout the development.

The new structure includes multiple zoning districts within the master plan, offering flexibility for future development.

City staff reviewed the rezoning proposal and recommended approval, subject to stipulations outlined in the ordinance.

Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Monday at Goodyear City Hall.

If approved, the rezoning would enable the next major phase of development in Estrella, one of Goodyear’s largest master-planned communities.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information, the full agenda and ordinance documents.