Zoning board to vote on 2 new neighborhoods

The city’s planning and zoning commission heard a round of topics during a meeting yesterday at its new Maricopa Library digs.

Chief among these were requests to move forward with two master-planned communities.

The commission discussed setting aside 481 acres at Steen and Murphy Roads for a master-planned community called Murphy Park. Phoenix developer CVL Consultants asked for the area to be rezoned for a neighborhood that could accommodate both single-family homes and a commercial area.

Commissioners also discussed dedicating land for Pecan Groves, a community of single-family homes just north of Murphy Park first unveiled in 2021. New documents showed CVL Consultants requested 80 acres to accommodate 329 homes and small commercial areas for offices and shopping.

A second hearing for both Murphy Park and Pecan Groves will take place Oct. 23 at Maricopa City Hall, where the commission will hear public comments and act on both items.

Other items of business

The commission approved rezoning 2 acres at John Wayne Parkway and Honeycutt Avenue to better accommodate retail spaces.

Last night’s meeting also acted as a public forum for the redevelopment of the city’s Heritage District. This included a discussion to “improve living and economic conditions” in the area “deemed distressed.”

A second public hearing will occur Oct. 9 in the library.