West Valley Christian School's expansion proposal irks nearby Goodyear residents

Goodyear’s planning and zoning commission unanimously approved a special use permit for a private school expansion after nearby residents voiced concerns over traffic increases and congestion.

The property, located along 161st Lane north of Van Buren Street, is currently zoned agricultural, urban, and commercial and is approximately on 16.45 acres of land.

West Valley Christian School, the applicant, plans on expanding its facilities and student body. The proposed expansion includes the addition of recreational fields, parking spaces, and outdoor storage containers. An additional building could also be constructed to accommodate the growing student population.

When an additional building is constructed on the property, a fully paved access driveway between 161st Lane and North 161st Avenue will be constructed.

At previous neighborhood meetings and during the public meeting on Wednesday, residents expressed concerns about the need for a school-run traffic management plan during student pick-up and drop-off times.

Residents also expressed concern over traffic circulation around the school’s immediate area, citing possible traffic overflow into Van Buren Street and North 161st Avenue due to the reputation of congestion in that area and in Goodyear generally.

In response to the traffic-related concerns, the school said it will implement a parking management and queuing plan to address resident concerns.

A nearby resident, Dolly Ortiz, said at the commission’s meeting that traffic is already overwhelming.

“I'm almost killed every time I go up and down my driveway,” she said. “This has just blown me away that the city of Goodyear is actually even considering a school like this when there's so much traffic that's impacted the whole community. They can't control the traffic now. We were told 50 student, today he says 100. So, I mean, I'm sure that's going to change again. It's going to be outrageous.”

The school is planning to add 100 students, up from its current 400, according to speakers at the meeting.

Another resident, Raymond Ortiz, requested a recorded easement for future property owners to ensure they are aware of it. He also suggested building a block wall to mitigate traffic noise and impact on property value.

The city council will consider the expansion at its next meeting.