Apache Junction — The Apache Junction City Council voted 5-2 on Dec. 16 to continue the Rose 88 North conditional use permit (PD-25-38-CUP) to a Jan. 20, 2026 public hearing, with final consideration scheduled for Feb. 3, after the applicant requested more time to address traffic and architectural concerns and multiple residents spoke in opposition.

City staff and the applicant’s representative said they were confident the traffic and design items could be addressed in time for Jan. 20. Staff described the parcel as in the downtown mixed-use core, where the general-plan land-use allocation supports densities of about 13 dwelling units per acre up to zoning allowances of 40 units per acre and a maximum height of 60 feet. "We're looking at the downtown mixed use core, which proposes a minimum density of approximately 13 units an acre up to ... 40 units an acre," staff said.

During the public hearing several residents urged the council to deny apartments on the site and proposed alternative uses such as retail or restaurants. Donna Carr, who identified herself as an Apache Junction resident, said the parcel should be used for revenue-generating retail and that the city should not allow “low income apartments” there; she added that apartments often become neglected in other communities. Russell Harper and Elizabeth Fitzgerald raised similar concerns about views of the Superstition Mountains, wildlife and overall community character. Mayor Reese Anderson (identifying himself during public comment) asked staff to double-check density figures and said a continuance was merited.

After public comment, a motion to continue the CUP to Jan. 20 (public hearing) and to schedule consideration for Feb. 3 passed 5-2. The clerk recorded Council member Cross and Vice mayor Schroeder as voting no.

What happens next: The applicant will work with staff on traffic and architectural questions and provide additional materials ahead of the Jan. 20 hearing; the council will revisit the CUP at the scheduled hearing and may vote the same night.