Chandler planning commission approves Hovnanian housing project with buyer disclosure and historic signage stipulations

The Chandler Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve a proposed residential development by K. Hovnanian Homes on Nov. 19 after adding stipulations requiring buyer disclosure about the adjacent Snedeker Sports Complex and dog park and an interpretive sign honoring the site's Basha-family history.

Residents raised safety and compatibility concerns during public comment, saying the proposed density and vehicle activity could strain Basha Road near the skate park. Megan Craighead, a resident at 4425 South Basha Road, told the commission she was “really worried something will happen and somebody will get hurt,” citing narrow sightlines created by palm trees and frequent bicycle and pedestrian use near the park.

The applicant’s representative, Bridal Ray of K. Hovnanian Homes, said the site previously hosted Basha corporate and distribution operations that once employed “between 150 and 200 employees,” and that the development team had met with traffic staff. Ray described uncertainty about the water tower’s current structural integrity and said the project team proposed an off-road interpretive steel plaque that would include a silhouette of the tower and a historical narrative to honor the site’s legacy.

City staff read a rezoning disclosure (Stipulation 7) that the subdivider or builder must provide each buyer acknowledging the subdivision is adjacent to the Snedeker Sports Complex and dog park and that such uses “may cause adverse noise, odors, or other externalities.” The staff reading stated the disclosure must be included in public subdivision reports, purchase contracts, CC&Rs and deeds, be presented on a separate form for signature prior to or simultaneously with executing a purchase agreement, and that the responsibility for notice rests with the home builder and “shall not be construed as an absolute guarantee by the city of Chandler.”

Several residents asked the city to review traffic calming or counts on Basha Road. Staff told the commission that Vassar/Basha Road is classified as a collector under city guidelines and that traffic engineers can review counts and calming options; a formal city traffic study was not announced at the hearing.

After discussion, Commissioner Reuben Craighead moved to approve Item 2 with the amended stipulations; the motion was seconded and carried. Commissioner Ryan left the dais and recused himself because he lives within the notification zone for the project. The motion’s approval includes the buyer-disclosure stipulation and the applicant’s agreement to the interpretive sign language presented at the meeting.

The commission’s action recorded approval of the rezoning/application at the meeting; the formal motion passed on the record and staff will implement the stipulated conditions per standard processing.