Scottsdale planning commission backs abandonment of 25-foot stretch of East Polk Street to allow Arden multifamily project

The Scottsdale Planning Commission on a 6–1 vote recommended that City Council approve the abandonment of approximately 25 feet of East Polk Street to allow the Arden multifamily development to proceed.

Staff senior planner Chris Zimmer told the commission the abandonment request (case 9AB-2024) applies to a short, southern portion of Polk Street adjacent to a proposed 23‑unit multifamily project and that the commission’s role is to recommend approval or denial to City Council. Zimmer said all city departments, including infrastructure and solid waste, have reviewed the proposal and submitted comments.

Taylor Earl, counsel for the applicant, said the parcel’s existing public stub of Polk Street is an odd, poorly maintained “thumb” that does not connect farther east and that privatizing that segment would place maintenance responsibility on the property owners while preserving necessary easement rights for city services. “We have no intentions to gate this,” Earl said, adding that the development team would maintain access for refuse and fire services and accept easement language so the city can perform essential work.

Adjacent resident and planner Maitland Pankiewicz urged careful design review. Pankiewicz said site elevations and upper‑floor projections could put balconies and living areas closer than neighbors expect and estimated setbacks of roughly 21–25 feet from existing bedroom windows. She asked the commission to ensure the Development Review Board (DRB) examines noise, privacy, and sight‑line impacts when the design case is considered.

Commissioners questioned staff and the applicant about fire access, refuse collection points, whether an HOA would gate the roadway, and how city services would be preserved after abandonment. Staff and the applicant repeatedly pointed to the DRB and the separate design review and building permit processes for technical checks. Zimmer said the abandonment would result in the right‑of‑way reverting to the parent parcels while maintaining easements for city access.

Commissioner Hirtel moved to recommend approval “per the staff recommended stipulations” and Commissioner Drake seconded. In the roll‑call vote, Commissioner Gonzales was the lone “no”; Chair Scarborough, Vice Chair Young, Commissioners Ertel, Joiner, Drake and Reid voted “yes.” The motion passed 6–1.

Next steps: the recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for a final decision. Design, fire access, refuse layout, and any adjustments to the site plan will be addressed through the Development Review Board and building permit reviews.