Commission approves up to 40-unit apartment project at 2500 East Cooley

The Show Low Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Conditional Use Permit CUP 602-04-274 on March 25, 2025, authorizing ChangePoint Integrated Health to develop an apartment complex of up to 40 units at 2500 East Cooley (portion of APN 210-24-078A), subject to conditions from planning staff.

Staff told the commission the property totals about 4.09 acres and is zoned C-2 (General Commercial). The conceptual site plan shows two two-story structures totaling up to 40 apartments (each building proposed to contain 16 one-bedroom and four two-bedroom units). Staff said the project must meet R-2/7 density standards for multifamily development, provide a minimum of 10,000 square feet of recreational open area for 40 units and a minimum of 64 parking spaces; the preliminary plan indicates 15,302 square feet of open area and 77 parking spaces.

The staff recommendation included conditions that all development comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements (including building, parking, fire district and Arizona Department of Transportation requirements), drainage design in accordance with Chapter 17.205, outdoor lighting controls (fully shielded fixtures), a maximum building height of 35 feet, mountain-design architectural elements, and a 20-foot depth of landscaping along East Brady to meet C-2 standards.

ADOT commented that a trip-generation analysis (TGP 240A) is needed to determine whether a full traffic impact analysis is required. Commissioners asked whether ChangePoint’s intent was to provide supportive or transitional housing; Jeff Oakes, identified on the record as the applicant’s CEO, said the project would be "just apartments" but that some tenants may be individuals receiving behavioral health services. "It's not supportive housing ... it's just apartments," Oakes said. He also told the commission, "We... have been around since 1966. So I don't foresee us going anywhere anytime soon. We've been in the community for about 60 years, employ 250 more people." (transcript phrasing retained.)

Commissioners discussed the unit mix and whether the project could qualify for workforce or subsidized housing programs; staff said eligibility for specific incentives would depend on program criteria and the final use. Staff also confirmed the project is planned in two phases, with the west building (closest to Penrod) proposed first.

Vice Chair Doug Roberts moved to approve CUP 602-04-274 subject to staff recommendations; Commissioner Wilson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Director Tregasquez noted a seven-day appeal period applies; if no appeal is filed by a qualified individual with the city clerk, the permit will take effect.