Mesa planning board approves 68-unit Lofts at 121 after neighbors raise traffic, privacy and safety concerns

The Mesa Planning and Zoning Board on Jan. 22 voted unanimously to approve a rezoning and site plan for the Lofts at 121, a 68-unit townhouse project proposed on roughly 3.14 acres at 121–129 North Beverly, north of East Main Street and adjacent to Beverly Park.

Staff planner Josh told the board the applicant seeks to rezone the property from RS6 (single-residence) to RM4 (multiple-residence) with a planned area development overlay to allow a multi-residence development. “Staff finds the overall project complies with the 2040 General Plan, chapter 69 of the MCO for site plan review, [and] chapter 22 of the MCO for planned area development overlay,” Josh said, and recommended approval with conditions.

The motion to approve included three added stipulations requested during the hearing: (1) a Planned Area Development modification to allow an 8-foot wall along the property’s north side; (2) an updated narrative from the applicant to be submitted before the matter moves to council; and (3) final design and approval of the replacement fence and any linkages to Beverly Park in coordination with Mesa Parks.

Why it matters: The site is designated “neighborhood/transit corridor station area” in Mesa’s 2040 General Plan because of its proximity to the Alma School light-rail station. Supporters and staff said the development seeks a “missing middle” housing type near transit; neighbors said the scale and traffic could overwhelm a small, established neighborhood and raise safety and air-quality concerns.

Project and staff details - Units and density: The proposal is for 68 townhome-style units; staff calculated the proposed density at about 22.6 dwelling units per acre. City code allows up to 30 dwelling units per acre for…