Staff outlines downtown core update and two-phase police headquarters master plan

Town planning staff provided a work-study update on downtown planning priorities and a newly initiated master plan for a consolidated police headquarters.

Les (planning manager) and Eric (Development Services staff) reviewed the history of Queen Creek's town center planning, noting the original plan and several updates (1994, 2005, 2011, and a comprehensive update in 2018) and a more recent 2024 action-plan update. Staff said they engaged consultants to evaluate development potential on a roughly six-acre town-owned parcel in the downtown core and to develop implementation steps identified in last year's action plan.

Staff said the current effort will focus on four primary tasks: (1) defining an appropriate level of building intensity and massing to create a distinct yet local downtown character; (2) reviewing and updating the permitted-uses table for the downtown core (staff used examples such as whether cigar lounges should be allowed to illustrate trade-offs); (3) reassessing parking standards to identify downtown-appropriate ratios rather than applying auto-centric standards used elsewhere in town; and (4) updating design standards and guidelines with clearer illustrations and expectations for the downtown core. The team will coordinate with economic development staff, the business community and the chamber as part of outreach, though exact public engagement methods were not yet determined.

Staff also described a newly kicked-off master planning effort for a consolidated police headquarters. The plan will address immediate operational needs and long-term growth in a two-phase approach. Staff said ongoing modifications to the former Barney Family Sports Complex will provide training and ancillary police uses (gun range and training space) but are not intended to serve as the department's permanent headquarters. Staff indicated the campus planning effort will consider parking, relationships to downtown, and potential space for prosecutors and a local court presence in a future phase. Founders Park and the town's existing parks were mentioned as possible pieces of the overall campus solution, but no decisions were reached and staff said details remain under study.

Commissioners asked about dog-park relocation, Founders Park parking and outreach to businesses; staff said relocation is likely but not decided, Founders Park involvement has not been determined, and staff expect to rely on economic development and the chamber for business engagement. Staff said they will return with more detailed proposals and illustrated guidance as the consultant work progresses.