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Phoenix City Council Delays Vote on ‘missing Middle’ Housing Ordinance

PHOENIX – The Phoenix‌ City Council on Wednesday postponed a vote on a controversial zoning ordinance aimed at increasing housing density, citing concerns from residents and ⁢a need for further review. The decision to table the vote⁣ until November 19 comes after‌ hours ‍of public comment and debate surrounding the proposed ‌”overlay district,” designed to comply with recent ‌state legislation.

The‌ ordinance, often referred ⁣to as ​a “missing‍ middle” housing proposal, would allow ‌for increased density in ​certain areas of the city, perhaps ⁤permitting duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and other housing⁢ types between single-family homes and large​ apartment complexes. Proponents argue ​it’s a ⁣necessary⁣ step to‌ address Phoenix’s⁤ housing shortage and affordability crisis.

Councilmember Ann O’Brien ‍highlighted the urgency, stating the⁣ city is facing a “housing⁣ crisis that affects thousands of our neighbors.” She also emphasized the financial ⁣implications of non-compliance with state law,noting Phoenix⁢ could lose nearly $700 million in state-shared revenue.”Phoenix is required to⁢ follow the ​state law ​no matter how poorly it is written,” O’Brien said, adding she would support ⁢the ordinance to protect essential city services.

However, concerns remain about the potential impact on the character of established neighborhoods.Several ⁤councilmembers, including‍ Debra Stark, Kesha Hodge Washington, and Betty Guardado, expressed⁤ a desire to find ‍solutions that address both the need for more housing and the preservation of ​neighborhood identity.

State Representative Mariana Ortiz, a proponent of​ the overlay zone, shared her personal experience with the city’s housing challenges during the meeting. she noted the median age ​of first-time homeowners⁤ is 40 and described her recent difficulty finding affordable housing in‌ Maryvale, leading to her move from a ‍1,700-square-foot rental home due to rising rent. “The few that were on the market were very old and not in great condition as it has⁢ become so hard to build missing ⁤middle housing,” Ortiz said. She also acknowledged the ordinance’s initial scope⁢ was broader and credited the League of Arizona Cities and Towns with advocating for a more narrowly tailored approach focused on downtowns and city centers.

Councilmember Pastor, representing District 4, requested the delay to allow for further review with legal ⁤counsel and city staff. “I want to work on ⁣some⁣ of​ the issues ‍that have been brought to my attention, to work with lawyers and city staff on some of⁤ the concerns that have popped up,” Pastor stated.

The council is scheduled to revisit the ordinance at ⁤its November 19 meeting.