Developer previews 400-unit Dorsey Station project; neighbors press for larger grocery and traffic fixes

Representatives of Dorsey Development Partners presented a planned-area-development proposal for two parcels near Apache Boulevard, outlining a mixed-use project with approximately 400 dwelling units across five buildings and roughly 11,000 square feet of commercial space on about 6.7 acres.

At the podium, a company representative described design priorities for the project'pedestrian-first improvements, shade and water-harvesting, Energy Star and low-flow fixtures, electric-vehicle charging, and a market space intended to serve both residents and nearby neighborhoods. "We've tried to center this on people given its proximity to rail," the presenter said, describing the project as a response to previous neighborhood feedback and noting that earlier versions had been redesigned to move taller buildings away from adjacent single-family homes.

Several nearby residents spoke during the public-hearing portion. Charles Buss, a University Heights resident of 38 years who said he supports affordable housing, urged the developer and council to secure a larger grocery footprint, noting that grocers such as Trader Joe's and Aldi typically look for 15,000 to 20,000 square feet. "My concern is that if we get a name that's not known, that they won't have the buying power of a major grocery store and this will turn into something more of a convenience store with very high prices," Buss said.

Steven Cook, another neighbor, repeated traffic and safety concerns, recommended the development entrance/exit be placed on Apache Boulevard rather than on Chief Jones Way to reduce cut-through traffic, and said he found the developer'community meeting tone discouraging.

The developer said the city set a 10,000-square-foot minimum for the market and that the team is pursuing grocery tenants; he added that the project includes about 79 units designed for seniors and that the team would work with staff to accommodate larger grocers if a tenant required additional space. The developer asked the council to consider environmental and pedestrian benefits of the design.

This was the project's introduction and first public hearing; no final vote was taken. The council scheduled the second and final public hearing for Nov. 13, 2025.