Plans for a major new development across from the casino are moving ahead after Maricopa’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Monday night a rezoning request and changes to the city’s general plan.

The decision clears the way for Phoenix developer Vestar to move forward with Maricopa Towne Center — a 195-acre project that would bring a mix of shops, restaurants, offices and homes to a long-vacant area at the corner of John Wayne Parkway and Farrell Road.

Not everyone is on board.

Nearby residents, particularly those in the Palo Brea neighborhood just north of the site, are concerned the project could bring apartment buildings to their backyards — and possibly lower property values in the process.

“We all bought houses in Palo Brea because it was supposed to be edge of town, by native land,” homeowner Evelyn Tindle wrote in a comment to the commission. “We don’t want property values to decrease due to apartments.”

Others echoed that concern during an April 10 neighborhood meeting hosted by the developers at Copper Sky. “Everyone agrees. None of us want a party next door,” said Palo Brea resident Brian Batey. “Quality of life is important. I moved here because it was a rural town.”

Of existing apartments in the city, he added: “They’re not even full.”

Commissioners acknowledged Monday the uncertainty surrounding exactly how the development will take shape — particularly how many of the roughly 2,100 planned homes will be single-family houses versus apartment-style buildings.

Commissioner Bill Robertson said he understood why people are “fatigued” by the idea of more apartments but ultimately supported the project.

Vestar’s attorney Jon Gillespie told the commission there’s no firm answer yet on what types of homes will be built.

“I don’t have the crystal ball on that,” he said. “The great thing is that the way this is set up, it really lets the market decide what happens there. I really expect we’re going to get a lot of interest from single-family developers.”

City Planner Derek Scheerer said the change gives Vestar the flexibility to adapt as conditions shift, allowing for different types of housing, shops and businesses depending on demand.

This plan “allows the flexibility for evolving market conditions,” he said. “We can fit in a variety of housing choices depending on the market conditions and how this will develop.”

Commissioner Robert Klob admitted the plans were short on specifics, saying he felt “challenged” by their ambiguity. Ultimately, though, he said he believed the development was “a very viable, much needed center.” 

“Normally, I’d beat you up a little harder,” he told the development team. “But I know Vestar, I know the product that they bring, I know the quality that they are known for — so that gives me much less pause.”

The Maricopa Towne Center site was originally part of the 2,170-acre Avalea master-planned community approved back in 2006, which never broke ground due to the recession.

The site is currently vacant farmland. Vestar’s plan includes space for stores, restaurants, hotels, offices and potentially light industrial businesses. Namely, “Restaurants and hotels are key commercial uses which are proposed at Maricopa Towne Center,” the developers wrote in their general plan amendment narrative.

Also proposed are up to 2,113 homes. The homes could range from single-family houses to apartment-style buildings, but developers say exact plans will come later.

Before anything is built, the developers must still submit detailed designs, traffic plans and landscaping layouts for approval by the Maricopa City Council.

Monica D. Spencer contributed reporting.