PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Dozens of people who live in a neighborhood near 24th Street and Missouri Avenue near a building built in the 1980s are at odds over the owner’s construction plans for the property.
During a Thursday night Planning Commission meeting, residents spoke for and against the project.
Those opposed claim the owner began construction a couple years ago without permits. Now, the owner is trying to go through the proper channels.
“I just don’t think you get to reward that kind of behavior. I follow the rules. We all follow the rules. When we want a bigger house, we get an architect. We go to the City. We get permits. We do the whole thing because that’s what you do when you’re part of a community,” said Susie Reis, a resident.
They say the owner is trying to remove stipulations, such as those for the height limit that were put in place in 1980. They’re worried the building will have a second floor added and leave neighbors without privacy.
“Over the years, constantly, developers are scheming ways they can get a lot of corners along Missouri Avenue and 24th Street to rezone for commercial use,” said Peter Drake.
However, a representative for the owner said they are not asking to remove the stipulations for size and height.
He said they want to work on the building internally and that the building will remain one-story.
The representative also said they’re requesting ability to update a 43-year-old building by creating a new roof line and two additional windows.
He said the owner received violations and all but one have been dismissed. They are on the process of fixing the current violation.
One neighbor who is in support of the project, said “This is a reinvestment in this iconic building.”
Another neighbor added, “I think they’re (owners) are great keepers of that beautiful building.”
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