A proposed 300-unit income-restricted (LIHTC) apartment development in Apache Junction’s downtown core faces additional review. The City Council delayed the project on December 16, 2025, at the developer’s request. Residents concerned about density, mountain views, and the project’s fit with the community spoke against the Roers 88 North proposal. Council voted 5-2 to allow more time for revised traffic studies and building designs.
Interactive Map – Roers 88 North Apartment Complex Location
The Roers 88 North Proposal
The proposed development would bring 300 rental apartments to a 13-acre site near Idaho Road and Scenic Street. This location sits north of Fry’s Marketplace and west of the Winchester Apartments and Superstition Mobile Village.
The three-story buildings would reach a maximum height of 45 feet. The downtown core allows buildings up to 60 feet.
Roers Companies plans to use the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program for this project. Under this program, rents would range from $1,262 for a one-bedroom unit to $1,950 for a four-bedroom. These rates include utilities. Families must earn no more than 60% of the area median income to qualify. For 2025, HUD income limits are:
- 1-person household: $47,160
- 2-person household: $53,820
- 3-person household: $60,600
- 4-person household: $67,320
The project would include a clubhouse, pool, dog park, tot lot, and covered parking with solar panels. Primary access would be from Idaho Road. A secondary right-in/right-out entrance would serve the northwest corner of the site.
The Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted 4-1 to recommend approval of the project. Staff also supports approval, citing consistency with the General Plan and the downtown development vision.
Land Use and Zoning Explained
During the meeting, Senior Planner Nick Leftwich explained how the city’s planning system works. His explanation helps residents understand what they can and cannot influence through the public process.
The General Plan is the city’s long-term vision for how land should be used. Apache Junction voters approved the current plan in 2020. It sets broad categories for different areas of the city. The downtown core is designated for “Downtown Mixed Use,” which allows high-density residential, commercial, retail, and office development.
Zoning provides specific rules that implement the General Plan’s vision. The B-3 City Center zoning on this property permits apartments with a conditional use permit. It allows up to 40 units per acre and buildings up to 60 feet tall.
Leftwich explained the density standards: “Specific to this project, we’re looking at the downtown mixed use core, which proposes a minimum density of approximately 13 units an acre up to a maximum of 40 units an acre. That was reflected within the zoning ordinance standards.”
At 22 units per acre, the Roers 88 North project falls within these approved limits.
Council Authority Over the Project
Vice Mayor Robert Schroeder asked a question that clarified the council’s authority. He wanted to know if rejecting this project would require changing the General Plan. The answer: no.
“It is ultimately a matter of city council policy as you determine what is the best fit in executing the general plan,” Leftwich responded. “Denying a project would not require a major general plan amendment.”
This means the council can approve or deny individual projects based on whether they fit the community’s vision. However, the underlying land use designation and zoning remain in place. Another developer could propose a similar project on the same site.
Leftwich described two paths for changing development rules: major General Plan amendments, which take about six months, or zoning text amendments for specific regulations like density and height. More information about the General Plan is available at https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/518/2020-General-Plan.
Nearby Skyline Towns Project
The council recently approved the Skyline Towns project on a nearby property. This 100-unit townhome development sits just southeast of the Roers 88 North site. Attorney Reese Anderson, who represented the Skyline project, spoke during public comment and clarified its density at approximately 12 units per acre.
The Skyline project required rezoning from B-3 and RS-GR to RM-2/PD (High Density Multiple-Family Residential by Planned Development). The council approved Ordinance No. 1566 on a 6-1 vote. That project also faced opposition from residents concerned about multifamily growth.
Both projects reflect the city’s downtown development strategy. The General Plan specifically calls for high-density housing to support commercial businesses and create a walkable downtown environment. Residents can speak at public hearings, submit written comments to the Development Services Department, and attend neighborhood meetings hosted by applicants. Final decisions rest with the council, which can approve or deny projects based on design and community fit.
Residents Speak at Hearing
Three residents spoke during the public hearing. Their comments reflected broader community concerns about rapid development in Apache Junction.
Donna Carr argued the site should host commercial uses instead of apartments. She noted the road leads to Canyon Lake and attracts summer boaters and winter snowbirds heading to Tortilla Flat. “That area should be designated for something that’s gonna bring in revenue to the city like gift shops, restaurants,” she said. Carr also said renters take less care of properties than homeowners.
Russell Harper focused on preserving mountain views. “When I go past this mountain, it’s a view,” he said. “And if we keep putting stuff up in front of it… it blocks off the beauty of this place.”
Elizabeth Fitzgerald, who described herself as an Apache Junction native from 1958, said the area is becoming “all concrete and rooftops.” “You’re not only turning this area into a Scottsdale, but you’re degrading Apache Junction,” she said. Fitzgerald referenced the demolition of the Grand Hotel and other historical sites.
Public Participation
The council scheduled a presentation and discussion for January 20, 2026. The public hearing and vote will occur on February 3, 2026. Residents who want to comment can speak at the February 3 public hearing.
