By Philip Haldiman

Independent Newsmedia

A condominium project that had initially garnered opposition from surrounding neighbors did not put up a fight against its final approval, April 2.

The Peoria City Council unanimously approved the 2-story, 112-unit gated condominium development known as Bella Olivia on about 13 acres at 95th and Olive avenues.

Initially, there had been concerns about privacy, decreased property values, increased traffic and overcrowding in a nearby elementary school.

RELATED: Not so bullish on Bella Olivia: resident chagrin surrounds Peoria condo proposal

Officials said Peoria Unified School District recently met with applicant Mesa-based Bela Flor Communities and supported the project. The district and applicant will enter into a developer assistance agreement, allowing the district to receive funds based on the number new students projected to be enrolled due to the creation of the new homes.

Additionally, the developer increased a buffer to 216 feet between the neighboring homes, increasing privacy, officials said.

“We all saw that from the initial site plan to the revised site plan there was a significant difference, so I think the developer has done some very creative things to address the concerns of the citizens,” Councilman Bill Patena said. “I’ve seen the newer renderings, and the buildings are actually quite nice. I think this will be a great addition to the area.”

The Council approved cases to amend the General Plan from low-density residential to medium-high density residential and rezone the property from commercial to residential.

Planning Director Chris Jacques said staff looks at factors like density, compatibility, fit and form

as well as character of development when doing a zoning analysis.

They also consider whether physical impacts can truly be mitigated and if they are in the best interest of the citizens in terms of the General Plan, he said

“But concerns about property value are tougher because they are often subjective — they are intangible, and certainly our staff isn’t qualified to address those things, which is why they are not part of the rezoning criteria. They are outside of things we would consider when we look at a land use case,” Mr. Jacques said.

He added that changing the zoning from commercial to residential would actually create less traffic than if a commercial project were on the property.

“Of course anything that develops on this property is going to create some traffic,” he said. “And we also have to be cognizant of the fact that regardless of what happens on this project, we deal in a regional setting, so things that happen in Surprise and El Mirage of course are going create more traffic as they go eastbound and westbound.”

The site plan for Bella Olivia features a centralized amenity area, which is anticipated to feature a clubhouse, pool, covered playground, shade structures and barbecue areas. Additionally, open space extends along the entire southern boundary of the project, proposed for a dog park, soccer park and shade structures.

All  units will include garages.

Councilwoman Vicki Hunt said this project really fits the direction Peoria is moving and fits the current demand.

“These are the types of dwellings we are looking for and the renderings are very nice,” she said. “I also like that it is a gated community.”

Philip Haldiman can be reached at 623-876-6743 or phaldiman@newszap.com.