Goodyear planning body backs rezoning for 383-unit Pycern at Palm Valley; residents urge caution

The Goodyear Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 13 recommended approval of a rezoning that would permit a 383‑unit multifamily project called Pycern at Palm Valley on roughly 17.55 acres at the northwest corner of Monte Vista Road and Pebble Creek Parkway. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Goodyear City Council for final action on Aug. 25.

The recommendation matters because the rezone increases the site’s permitted density from the existing Palm Valley Phase 8 Planned Area Development (PAD) standard — the city equivalent of MF‑18 — to a PAD with an underlying MF‑24 designation and a PAD overlay that would allow a density of about 21.8 units per acre and the construction of up to 383 units. Principal planner Anne Dolmage noted, “I just want to to emphasize that we are not approving the site plan tonight.” The commission voted to recommend approval after a motion by Commissioner Wang and a second from Vice Chair Sambito.

Under the proposal the developer would add a third story to portions of the site to reach the requested unit count; the PAD overlay would also impose limits intended to buffer adjacent homes. Staff and the applicant described the…