The Tempe Development Review Commission will consider awarding a use permit to allow for a columbarium structure at 1986 E. University Drive during its April 8 meeting.
Lucas Jensen, city planner, wrote in a city staff report that the permit was requested by Constellation Charities for the construction of a columbarium, a structure designed to hold urns for cremated remains.
A single-family residence currently exists at the property, which was first recorded as early as 1930 by Maricopa County records. It has never been platted and was annexed into Tempe in 1972, according to his report.
The proposed Starlight Memorial Columbarium will create a 6-foot-tall columbarium wall with 50 spaces at the Starlight Memorial Park. The park is home to the historic Casa Chavez, Starlight Gardens and Constellation Charities, according to its website.
The park’s website states part of the park’s mission is “to celebrate life and honor history by also offering better deathcare and final placement options for Tempe and the surrounding areas.”
Jensen wrote that the project site, located on the north end of University Drive, is within Tempe’s agricultural zoning district, and the use permit is necessary to allow for cemetery use.
“Based on the information provided by the applicant, the public input received and the above analysis staff supports approval of the requested use permit,” Jensen stated.
Criteria considered in city staff’s analysis included the potential for any significant increase in traffic, nuisances at a level above that of ambient conditions and contribution to the deterioration of the surrounding area.
Jensen stated the applicant’s request meets the city’s required criteria and will conform to the city’s conditions of approval.
One non-standard condition of approval included with this permit request holds that the applicant ensures all designated parking areas be on an approved paved surface and must conform to ADA design guidelines.
The Tempe Development Review Commission will vote on this permit during its April 8 meeting at Tempe City Hall at 6 p.m. The meeting can be watched on Cox Cable Channel 11 and at www.tempe.gov/tempe11.
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Meet Caroline Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.
Community: She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French.
Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years.
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