PHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 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\u2019s construction plans for the property.<\/p>\n
During a Thursday night Planning Commission meeting, residents spoke for and against the project.<\/p>\n
Those opposed claim the owner began construction a couple years ago without permits. Now, the owner is trying to go through the proper channels.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just don\u2019t 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\u2019s what you do when you\u2019re part of a community,\u201d said Susie Reis, a resident.<\/p>\n
They say the owner is trying to remove stipulations, such as those for the height limit that were put in place in 1980. They\u2019re worried the building will have a second floor added and leave neighbors without privacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver 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,\u201d said Peter Drake.<\/p>\n
However, a representative for the owner said they are not asking to remove the stipulations for size and height.<\/p>\n
He said they want to work on the building internally and that the building will remain one-story.<\/p>\n
The representative also said they\u2019re requesting ability to update a 43-year-old building by creating a new roof line and two additional windows. <\/p>\n
He said the owner received violations and all but one have been dismissed. They are on the process of fixing the current violation.<\/p>\n
One neighbor who is in support of the project, said \u201cThis is a reinvestment in this iconic building.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another neighbor added, \u201cI think they\u2019re (owners) are great keepers of that beautiful building.\u201d<\/p>\n
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