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Q.C. OKs plan changes for 1,100-acre mixed-use project
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The largest general plan amendment proposed in Queen Creek to date was approved by the Town Council on Wednesday night.
The amendment allows Tempe-based Vanderbilt Farms to build Queen Creek Station, a 1,100-acre mixed-use project that includes higher-density residential, commercial areas, offices and warehouses at Queen Creek’s northern entrance.
The amendment asked the town to add two new land-use designations to its general plan: a mixed-use designation and a medium-high residential designation allowing three to eight dwelling units per acre. Before the change, the town’s general plan allowed a maximum of three units per acre.
Some Queen Creek residents weighed in with concerns about residential densities and whether there would be an assurance that what they see is what they are going to get with the development.
“This is not a promise,” said Queen Creek resident Robin Benning as he addressed the Town Council. “This is purely text — words.”
Residents of two neighboring residential developments, Ellsworth Suburban Mini Farms and Queenland Manor, have influenced the developer to change an original proposal and said they plan to see the development through the process until it is constructed.
“We’ll continue to hold their feet to the fire,” said Cynthia Buffington, a Queenland Manor resident.
Town Councilman Jon Wootten, the only dissenter, said he thought the amendment was so large that it needed to be taken to voters. Councilman Gordon Mortenson said the town has some assurances, such as through the zoning process, to get what Vanderbilt Farms has proposed.
This general plan amendment is the largest in the town’s history in terms of size and impact on the town’s rural heritage. The project may not be started for more than 10 years. Town consultant Wayne Balmer said officials are concerned over the ability to build the roads needed to keep traffic flowing in and around the development — something the developer has proposed but said it could not pay for on its own. Vanderbilt seeks to extend Ellsworth Loop Road north through the property, widen and realign Queen Creek Road, improve Ellsworth Road and set aside land for a commuter rail station. Vanderbilt said it would work with the town to identify a way to fund those improvements.
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