Las Brisas Corner townhome concept greenlit by city council

The Goodyear City Council approved a rezoning from commercial to residential for a townhome concept Monday.

The property, currently called Las Brisas Corner, is approximately 24 acres located at the northeast corner of Perryville Road and Broadway Road.

The site is south of the existing Las Brisas single-family residential neighborhood.

The development intends to build a product with units with front doors facing onto a private open court and an alley with garages.

Each unit would have a minimum patio square footage of 66 square feet. According to principal planner Christian Williams, the developer will also provide a direct pedestrian path from their residential development to a commercial property planned on the south end.

According to Williams, units could be from 1,300 square feet to 2,400 square feet, depending on the developer's preference. Units could vary in size from 20 feet wide and 75 feet deep.

Councilmember comments were supportive of affordable new home ownership for younger or new Goodyear Residents. Williams said, however, that some neighbors were concerned about the type of residents who would occupy townhome concepts.

Councilmember Vicki Gillis said she was disgusted.

“What types of residents might occupy it? Did you actually hear that from somebody?” she asked. “I just find that appalling. To be honest with you.”

Councilmember Sheri Lauritano saw it as an opportunity to diversify housing balances.

“These may not be entry-level, but I also have a 21-year-old son that someday I'd like him to be able to buy a house,” she said. “Housing prices are absolutely crazy. And one thing to fix the market is to get more housing options online to have a more balanced market.”

According to staff, the properties will be above entry level, but reasonably priced due to the proximity of some minor nuisances and smaller lawn sizes.

“The property is in close proximity to agricultural uses, and may therefore be subject to noise, dust and odors associated with such uses,” Williams said. “So they will have to sign off before they sign their house.”