APACHE JUNCTION, AZ – The Apache Junction City Council voted 6-1 on September 2, 2025 to approve Skyline Towns, a 100-unit rental development with five 3-plex and seventeen 5-plex buildings planned for the city’s downtown corridor. The project site sits at the northwest corner of Winchester Road and Junction Street, northeast of Fry’s Marketplace and southwest of Superstition Mobile Village.
The market-rate rental townhome community marks another step in the city’s downtown revitalization efforts.
New Downtown Housing Confirmed as Market-Rate Rentals
During the public hearing, resident Steve Droop asked whether Section 8 housing would be permitted in the complex. Attorney Reese Anderson, representing applicant Skyline QOZB LLC on behalf of developer Bela Flor Communities, responded directly.
“Is this Section 8? No, it’s market rate,” Anderson said. He added that the development participates in the Crime-Free Multi-Housing (CFMH) program. The program, developed by Mesa police in 1992, certifies rental properties that meet security standards and complete training designed to reduce crime and drug activity.
The gated community will feature Spanish-style architecture across 9.4 acres. A six-foot decorative wall surrounds the property. It includes two-bedroom and three-bedroom options with garage parking. An eight-foot multi-use trail along Winchester Road and Junction Street will provide pedestrian and bicycle access.
Traffic and Growth Concerns Dominate Public Comments
Four residents addressed the council during the public hearing. Their concerns centered on traffic congestion, water usage, and the pace of development in the area.
Steve Droop of Apache Junction questioned why more single-family homes weren’t being built instead. He expressed concern about traffic at the Winchester Road and Scenic Drive intersection.
“Instead of all these rental units and apartments and everything going up in that area right there, maybe some single-story, two-story, whatever, family homes that young couples can get into,” Droop said.
Donna Carr, also of Apache Junction, opposed the project. She said she believes in single-family dwellings and expressed concern about the pace of rental development in the city.
Andre Meek of Apache Junction offered a different perspective. He clarified that Skyline Towns represents upscale rentals with garages, not traditional apartment buildings. However, he also noted traffic concerns at the Junction Street and Idaho Road intersection.
“While we need more apartments for people that can’t afford a house, I mean, to say, ‘Let’s make it single family homes, acre and a quarter plots,’ that’s $750,000 at least,” Meek said. “Right now nobody can afford that.”
Kathy Deeroff of Apache Junction raised water supply concerns. She and her husband own a horse property and moved to the area for its western character. She questioned where water for new developments would come from and noted that many new buildings appear empty.
Council Members Cite Downtown Plan and Economic Benefits
Councilmember Darryl Cross delivered an extended defense of the project before voting yes. He referenced the city’s general plan, which voters approved to guide downtown development.
“Several years ago, we put forth to our community a new general plan, and that new general plan clearly spelled out a downtown center,” Cross said. “That downtown center clearly shows multi-family housing in all the areas that we’re currently considering putting multi-family housing in.”
Cross also addressed affordability concerns. He noted that newcomers and young residents struggle to afford homes priced at $800,000 or more. Apartments serve as stepping stones, he argued, citing his own son’s path from renting with roommates to owning two homes.
“The sooner we can get a good balanced amount of affordable units and apartment complexes throughout our community, not just downtown but throughout our community, the better and quicker those prices should start coming down,” Cross said.
Councilmember Bryan Soller echoed this support. He confirmed the project aligns with what voters wanted for the downtown master plan.
“This absolutely goes with what the voters of AJ wanted for our master downtown plan, and those lots behind Fry’s are exactly what this is for,” Soller said.
Mayor Chip Wilson also voted yes, citing conversations with local business owners.
“I got the opportunity to talk to a couple businesses this past weekend, and they are really hurting, and they’re looking forward to having some nearby residents that can actually cater to them,” Wilson said.
Vice Mayor Casts Lone Dissenting Vote
Vice Mayor Robert Schroeder cast the only vote against the rezoning. His objection focused on developer attendance rather than the project itself.
“Bela Flor owns a lot of property in this city, and they plan to do a lot of building. And if they can’t show us the respect to show up on a zone, that’s why my answer is no,” Schroeder said.
Anderson, the attorney, represented the developer at the hearing. Bela Flor Communities principals did not attend in person.
Previous Pinal Post Coverage
The Apache Junction Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of this project on July 22, 2025 by a 4-1 vote. A previous Pinal Post article covers additional details not addressed at the council meeting, including:
- Complete site layout with 22 buildings (five 3-plex and seventeen 5-plex structures)
- Full amenity list including pool, spa, pickleball courts, clubhouse, and dog park
- Detailed parking breakdown (400 total spaces)
- Specific setback deviations approved
- Walking distances to nearby businesses
- Complete conditions of approval
Read the full Planning and Zoning Commission coverage: High-Density Skyline Towns Project Approved By Commission for Apache Junction’s Downtown Core
Construction Timeline After Mandatory Waiting Period
The rezoning took effect in early October 2025, 30 days after the September 2 approval. Construction may proceed subject to plat approval and finalization.
