Tempe residents have been speaking for and against a potential 21-story mixed-use development that requires a general plan amendment, increasing the density of the area from up to 65 dwelling units per acre to accommodate 363 dwelling units on 1.04 acres.
At Tempe City Council’s June 6 meeting, the first public hearing was held on the resolution that would amend the general plan’s land use and density map and zoning map to allow for the new development called The Standard, 1306 S. Rural Road.
The resolution also includes an appeal of a denial for a tandem parking permit for 22 spaces and The Standard’s development plan review, as explained in a city staff report.
The Standard aims to create 363 dwelling units on 1.04 acres, which is above the original dwelling unit density listed for the area in Tempe’s general plan. Additionally, the development plan establishes the building height to 255 feet, building setbacks between 4 and 10 feet and a reduced parking ratio of 0.35 parking spaces per bed.
As explained by Snell & Wilmer’s Nick Wood at the meeting, the project will create another student housing project for the area, hopefully easing the stress of the ongoing housing shortage in Tempe and across the Valley.
“We are kind of victims of our own success, and so is Tempe. It’s a wonderful place to live, which means a lot of people want to live here,” Wood said.
He discussed the project’s location, saying that it would join other student housing options and would respect the council’s vision for keeping student housing projects out of Tempe’s downtown.
One resident, David Sokolowski, expressed support for council approving the project, saying that it’s important to keep high density projects near public transit, create an interesting skyline and have iconic landmarks.
He also noted that as a member of the group that worked on the recently approved general plan, it is a living document that could be amended if necessary. He added that the housing crisis in Tempe continues to worsen, especially with the increased number of students.
“This one project isn’t going to solve all of our problems. Then we still need to invest in affordable housing, so voting ‘yes’ for this project will be one step forward,” Sokolowski said.
In contrast, some residents who spoke both at the meeting and submitted comments prior to the meeting do not approve of the proposed increase in density for The Standard, stating that it would negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood.
There was an issue with the project as it was unanimously denied by the Development Review Commission, which resident Anne Till pointed to during the meeting. She expressed her opposition to the project, specifically saying that the general plan amendments are concerning given the opinions of neighboring residents.
“There is a need for student housing, but I don’t think Tempe has to provide all of it,” Till said.
No vote was taken at the meeting, but the council members did briefly share their thoughts following the presentation and public comment.
All of the council members expressed their support for the concerned residents, with some adding that it would be a great project if it was lowered to the established density and height requirements but that they could not support the project as is.
The second and final public hearing for The Standard is scheduled for June 27.
Reporter Caroline Yu can be reached at cyu@iniusa.org. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
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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