Developer to churches, schools and non-profits seeking home: Come talk to us

Churches and schools looking for a piece of the pie in an up-and-coming master-planned development might want to contact Shea Homes or Fulton Homes sometime soon.

That’s because the developers, who are co-proposing changes to the Avalea master-planned development have a triangular-shaped, 6.5-acre parcel set aside for just that.

“We have a vacant lot we don’t know what to do with,” said Alex Baird, a project manager who spoke Monday before the Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission. “Come talk to us, it’s here.”

The non-profit, school or church would be part of a 1,380-acre community roughly bounded by John Wayne Parkway and Porter Road between Peters and Nall Road and Farrell Road.

Development plans include working with a recreation building provider to construct a clubhouse. The amenity will be open to the area designated for single-family homes. A proposal to work with Global Water to include a water site is in the works, as well as dialogue with the Maricopa Fire Department regarding plans on how it will provide emergency service.

In addition, the master plan calls for schools to be placed next to parks, potentially providing more recreational facilities to the students they serve.

The matter was before the Commission to seek a zoning variance to allow three-story buildings in the multi-family housing area and to allow general businesses to set up shop in the area, which will also set aside a portion of open space.

Because the matter should have been slated on the agenda as a public hearing but was instead listed as a matter for discussion and possible action, the Commission tabled the matter pending public comment.

Maricopa Planning Director Amy Haberbosch said although the Planning and Zoning Commission will not meet again until next year, the matter will go before the City Council Dec. 18 as planned.

“It won’t hold up your timetable,” Haberbosch promised Baird.

Photo by RuthAnn Hogue