Phoenix housing advocates are pushing back against a developer's plan to build a gated, luxury townhome community—complete with private garages—in an area designated for higher density.
A proposed development in Phoenix is creating backlash from community members and housing advocates who argue that the 72-unit gated townhome development, which would feature private garages for each unit, would go against the city's "Reinvent PHX" plan to increase density and walkability, reports Katya Schwenk.
"The new project, led by a local developer, is billed as a 'luxury,' gated community. It would consist exclusively of attached townhomes, each with its own two-car garage and private roads to connect the community, including an exclusive entrance to a well-known public park."
Local residents say the development doesn't fit with the surrounding area, where the city has been encouraging high density and mixed-use, transit-oriented development. "Just south of the proposed townhomes would be a massive mixed-use development with high-rise apartments, a movie theater, and a pedestrian plaza, renderings show," notes Schwenk. "Some activists and neighborhood groups are frustrated by the plans for a luxury development within walking distance of a bustling light rail train station."
The current plan replaces a prior design that would have built 256 housing units. Critics say the development would limit access to the park and bring low density to an area that needs more affordable housing, exacerbating Phoenix's unsustainable sprawl, while the developer argues the community fits with the city's vision of pedestrian-friendly design and transit accessibility.
FULL STORY: Urban Phoenix Neighbors Push Back on Luxury Gated Homes Next to Uptown Light Rail
Maryland Awards $1.25M in TOD-Related Grants
The state’s DOT is funding projects that prepare sites around transit stations for future mixed-use development and housing.
Judge Rules in Favor of Massachusetts TOD Law
The court rejected an argument that the MBTA Communities law, which requires zoning for multifamily housing, is an “unfunded mandate.”
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie