Planning staff presents 2024 annual report highlighting multifamily, PAD and retail projects

Planning staff presented the Planning Division’s 2024 annual report to the Glendale Planning Commission, summarizing the commission’s activity and notable projects from the previous calendar year.

Tabith Perry of the Planning Division introduced the report and said the division reorganized its presentation style this year. Staff reported that in 2024 the commission acted on nine general plan amendments, 13 rezoning requests, finalized seven conditional use permits, and recommended on one text amendment regarding accessory dwelling units. Staff highlighted several completed developments in the 70 Fifth and Glendale retail area (including multiple conditional use permits and new tenant spaces such as Goodwill and Wendy’s), Desert River PAD and additional multifamily and warehouse projects, and an entitlements action tied to an affordable housing development with small‑scale commercial space fronting Glendale Avenue.

Staff noted generally positive community feedback on recent development aesthetics and referenced completed or near‑completion projects including multifamily developments along 60 Seventh and other retail and drive‑through conditional uses (Starbucks and others). Ms. Perry acknowledged Sharon Larsela, the staff member who prepared the report and presentation.

Commissioners offered mostly positive comments on the results; one commissioner thanked staff and cited nearby examples of maintained property and continued construction progress. The presentation concluded with the commission being reminded of the next regular meeting date.