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 proposed mitigations: a reduced rear (north) building setback from 30 feet to 20 feet with no three‑story buildings allowed within specified buffers along the north, west and southwest edges; a 10‑foot landscape buffer along the west property line with tree spacing reduced to an average of 20 feet (instead of the typical 30 feet); anti‑glare window treatments on second‑ and third‑story windows facing certain directions; clerestory windows on third‑story windows near single‑family lots to preserve privacy; and a public trail with shade and benches along both street frontages.

Developer representative Taylor Earl said the property has long been zoned for multifamily and described the application as adding 68 units to what would otherwise be permitted: “it's already zoned for multifamily,” he told the commission, arguing the design increases landscaping and building setbacks near existing homes and that the project would offer amenities and upgrades. The conceptual plan shown to the commission indicates 746 parking spaces and amenities including a clubhouse, pool, tot lot, outdoor games, barbecue areas and a dog park; staff emphasized that final site plan approval will be handled administratively and was not before the commission.

Several nearby residents opposed the rezone during public comment. Rob Buswell, a Portales neighbor, said, “I am strongly opposed to this,” and cited concerns about privacy, vehicle stacking at gated entries and property values. Michelle Wallace told the commission she bought into a predominantly single‑story neighborhood and said, “I don't want a 3 story building there,” voicing concern that three‑story buildings would face her backyard. Mark Slager, another Portales resident, said the prospect of taller buildings would reduce the amenity of his view and likely affect property values.

Dolmage said Agua Fria Union High School District and Litchfield Elementary School District were notified; Agua Fria requested the applicant contribute development fees to mitigate school impacts and the applicant indicated they are working on an arrangement. The applicant also agreed to several off‑site commitments discussed during the hearing, including contributing up to $10,000 toward a fence and gate and funds to replace trees in adjacent HOA open‑space if the HOA approves such work. The applicant told the commission a deceleration lane along Monte Vista would be added even though the traffic study did not require it; the developer said that was a concession to neighborhood concerns to avoid vehicle backups onto Monte Vista.

Commissioners said they were conflicted but acknowledged concessions intended to reduce impacts on adjacent single‑family homes, including clerestory windows, lower building heights next to property lines and the added turn lane. Commissioner Roberts voiced opposition to adding additional apartments in the city and said residents had repeatedly requested fewer apartment rezonings: “can you please stop zoning for more apartments?” Roberts voted against the recommendation; other recorded votes at the roll call included Commissioner Hegatus and Commissioner Booth voting aye. The motion carried and the recommendation will be considered by City Council on Aug. 25.

The commission’s action is advisory; Council will make the final decision and the applicant must return with a formal site plan application if the rezoning is approved. Staff reiterated that specific architectural details, final landscaping plans and any required off‑site improvement agreements will be addressed in later approvals and permitting steps.