Council approves LaVeen retail development agreement, bars data centers from site

The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved a planned-unit development and development agreement for a retail project in LaVeen on Aug. 27, with council members emphasizing the project27s potential to bring sit-down restaurants, family entertainment and a movie theater to the area.

City economic development director Christine Mackey told the council the project was being processed as a planned-unit development and the development agreement will be amended to explicitly prohibit data centers as a permitted use. Mayor and council members described the project as an outcome of long-running efforts to attract retail to LaVeen and noted the community27s enthusiasm.

The council voted 9-0 to approve item 72 following motions and comments from members who represent LaVeen. Councilwoman Hodge Washington and Councilwoman Hernandez both praised the development as meeting longstanding neighborhood requests; the mayor and staff said design and appearance have drawn positive feedback at zoning hearings.

What’s next: staff will proceed with the development agreement and PUD zoning steps consistent with the amended language that will prohibit data centers. The action authorizes the city to move forward with the retail-focused project.

Discussion v. decision: staff presentation on the PUD and proposed agreement (discussion); council approval of the ordinance and development agreement (decision).