Avondale planning commission backs Resilient Villas PAD amendment to allow income‑restricted multifamily housing

The Avondale Planning Commission on March 18 recommended approval of a major planned‑area development amendment for the Resilient Villas project, voting 5–0 to forward the item to City Council.

Planner Cole Hunger told commissioners the amendment (application PL250250) would allow multifamily duplex and attached multifamily residential uses on the site, substitute a 25% garage minimum with covered and uncovered parking, and provide a mix of on‑site amenities including community hubs, a pool and playgrounds. Staff concluded the proposal meets the findings required by the Avondale Zoning Ordinance and recommended approval subject to seven conditions in the staff report.

“The proposed rezone meets the required findings established by the Avondale Zoning Ordinance,” Cole Hunger said during the presentation. He described site circulation with primary access on Dysart Road, a secondary entrance on 4th Street, internal private drives and shared parking, and said the development is consistent with the General Plan 2030 housing goals.

Applicant representatives Steven Anderson and Jacob Berger (Dominion) told the commission the project will use the Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit program and be income‑restricted. Anderson said the project will be deed‑restricted through the Arizona Department of Housing and that the state’s compliance period is a long‑term requirement.

“The contractual obligation to the State is 30 years,” Steven Anderson said, adding that Dominion will maintain the property and that the affordability restrictions are recorded with the property at closing.

Commissioners questioned traffic mitigation and land‑use restrictions. Staff said a traffic‑signal contribution for the 4th and Van Buren intersection is part of the project conditions and that the timing will be coordinated with engineering; the contribution is required prior to issuance of the first certificate of occupancy. Staff and the applicant confirmed the project targets households at roughly 60% of area median income (AMI) and that parking will be two spaces per unit with one covered space.

The chair opened the public hearing; staff reported no podium speakers and noted one written comment on the city’s Avondale Connect platform raising concerns about homeownership opportunities and grocery access. With no public testimony, Commissioner Grimm moved to approve the staff recommendation and Commissioner Lopez Davy seconded; the motion passed 5–0.

Next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council in accordance with the city’s review process.