By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia

A 56-unit gated multi-housing complex is moving toward construction on 4.55 acres near 67th and Olive avenues in south Peoria.

The proposal includes seven, two-story buildings with open space amenities.

The project borders Glendale to the east, so developers are working with both cities.

Councilwoman Vicki Hunt, who represents the area, said she wholeheartedly supports the infill project.

“This is a small area and to get this kind of nice development in there is a real coup for our city and the surrounding residents,” she said.

Peoria City Council approved the request to change the zoning from commercial to residential and General Plan land use designation from Medium Density Residential to Medium-High Density Residential, June 27.

The approval upped the allowable density of the property from five to eight dwelling units per acre to eight to 15 dwelling units per acre, yielding a gross density of 12.3 units per acre, a similar density to adjacent residential. It will include two-bedroom units on the site with various amenities, including a pool/spa, dog park and barbecue facilities.

Senior Planner Jon Froke said the project was approved in Glendale last year. He expects the applicant, SNS APT 1Investment Services LLLP, to pull building permits later this summer.

The Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this case to council May 18.

The property was annexed into Peoria in 1971 with an initial zoning of Intermediate Commercial. The zoning remained unchanged until 2005, when a request was filed to rezone the property to Multi-Family Residential for a 72-unit multi-family development with a density of 15.8 dwellings per acre. The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 in favor, but the case was withdrawn by the applicant for economic reasons before the city council hearing.