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Neighbors challenge plan for tactical training center at former Eastwood swimming hole
Summary
A public hearing drew supporters who said the Eastwood Training Center would provide controlled first-responder training and opponents who warned the stacked-container facility and simulated tactics would erode the neighborhood's residential character. Planning staff recommended approval with conditions.
The Planning Committee heard competing views Tuesday on a conditional-use request to convert the former Eastwood Swimming Hole at 1928 Eastwood Avenue into an indoor training center that would serve fire, EMS, police and private trainers.
Planning staff said the proposal would place a purpose-built 3,840-square-foot structure recessed into the pool bowl, use nonlethal "simunition" rounds in indoor scenarios, include video review for instructors and be developed in phases that could later add an archery range, obstacle course and a rappel tower. Staff and the planning commission recommended approval subject to conditions including limits on live ammunition and landscaping to reduce visual impacts.
Mark Salerno, the Walker family's attorney, urged the committee to approve the project, describing the family's long ownership and saying the indoor training environment would allow responders to rehearse high-risk scenarios without endangering the public. "This is a life-and-death training opportunity," Salerno said.
Nearby residents urged denial, saying the stacked container appearance, increased traffic and the noise of simulated drills would be incompatible with a quiet, family neighborhood. "Our house is about 500 feet from the proposed site," said a resident who identified herself only as Megan. "This is not compatible with a residential neighborhood like ours." Other commenters raised proximity to a daycare and Goodyear Metropark and worried about property values.
Walker family members answered committee questions about hours, membership and parking, saying the facility would operate primarily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., be booked for scheduled training rather than a walk-in range, and use on-site gravel parking and booked slots to limit traffic. Petitioners also said simulated rounds are quiet and that exercises would be conducted indoors approximately 250 feet from Eastwood Avenue.
Committee members asked planning staff and petitioners about enforceable conditions for screening, hours and the prohibition on live ammunition. Planning staff noted existing mature landscaping and said supplemental screening could be required. The committee did not vote and invited participants back for a 5 p.m. session when members will make a recommendation to the full council.
Next steps: the public hearing was continued and will resume at the council's 5:00 p.m. session, after which the committee will recommend whether the full council should approve, deny or table the conditional-use request.
