Concerns over Traffic and Property Values Lead to Denial
The Apache Junction Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-2 against Resolution No. 25-07, which would have approved a conditional use permit for a 336-unit three-story residential rental community proposed by Wolff Enterprises III, LLC at their last meeting. The decision can be appealed to the City Council within 20 days.
The proposed development would have constructed fourteen three-story buildings on approximately 18.47 acres at the northwest corner of Apache Trail and Idaho Road in downtown Apache Junction. The meeting saw high attendance from community members, with the commission’s decision coming after substantial public testimony from nearby residents who expressed concerns about traffic congestion, view obstruction, and the impact of introducing a large rental community in the area.
Project Details and Accommodations
Wolff Enterprises III, LLC, represented by attorney Paul Gilbert, had been working with city staff for over a year on the project. The $80 million development would have featured 48 one-bedroom units (760 square feet) and 288 two-bedroom units (1,012-1,040 square feet). Gilbert emphasized the company’s commitment to quality construction and stated that Wolff Enterprises builds to keep and maintain their properties rather than sell them.
The development plan included a clubhouse, pool, dog park, fitness center, barbecues, and covered parking. All units would have featured stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and luxury vinyl tile flooring. Ground floor units would have included private patios, while upper floors would have had balconies or Juliet railings.
According to Gilbert, projected rent would have started at $1,300 for one-bedroom units and $1,800 for two-bedroom units. When Commissioner Roy Starr questioned the affordability for Apache Junction residents with a median income of approximately $52,290, Chase Courchaine from Wolff Enterprises defended the pricing, noting that using HUD’s 30% income allocation for housing, residents earning the median income could afford the one-bedroom units.
Modifications and Concessions
The developers had made numerous changes to accommodate city concerns over the past year. These included adding more balconies, providing screening walls for every patio, and revising building elevations. They also proposed relocating the driveway on Plaza Drive further north to encourage residents to use Superstition Boulevard rather than cutting through the nearby shopping center.
The project would have contributed $3.7 million to public infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to Plaza Drive and Apache Trail frontages, as well as impact fees, according to Gilbert’s presentation at the meeting.
Parking and Traffic Concerns
One of the most contentious issues was parking. City code required 749 parking spaces, but the developer requested an 8.7% reduction to 684 on-site spaces. The company also planned to add 45 public parking spaces along Plaza Drive.
Gilbert emphasized that the 2.04 spaces per unit ratio exceeded the company’s typical 1.67 ratio in their portfolio of over 3,000 units. He also argued that with only one reserved space per unit, the remaining 338 spaces plus the 45 Plaza Drive spots would provide ample guest parking.
The traffic impact analysis showed the development would generate fewer trips than alternative commercial uses allowed under the B-3 zoning. However, many residents and some commissioners remained unconvinced that the existing infrastructure could handle the increased traffic, especially during the winter months when seasonal residents are present.
Resident Concerns
The meeting room was packed with residents, primarily from the adjacent Lost Dutchman RV Resort. Their concerns included:
- Traffic congestion on Plaza Drive and at the Superstition Boulevard intersection
- Loss of mountain views that would affect property values
- Water runoff and drainage issues
- Impact on water pressure and utilities
- Safety concerns with children potentially riding bicycles near elderly drivers
- Construction dust and noise during the multi-year build period
Brenda Adams, manager of Lost Dutchman RV Resort, spoke on behalf of approximately 1,400-1,500 residents, noting that many had purchased homes specifically for the Superstition Mountain views that would be blocked by the three-story buildings.
Commissioner Perspectives
During final deliberations, commissioners shared their thoughts on the proposal:
Commissioner Ari Kalan expressed concern about losing one of the last prime locations for commercial development in the downtown area. He questioned whether the sales tax revenue from new residents would offset increased demands for city services, particularly the need to hire additional police officers.
Commissioner Roy Starr expressed concerns about the rental model. He stated that “ownership is a very, very important thing for any couple or any individual, that they build equity and become owners.” He added that Apache Junction is “building way too much rental property here.”
Commissioner Sandra Mykland voiced concerns over traffic.
Vice Chair Robin Barker, who has lived in Apache Junction for more than 50 years, expressed concerns about walkability in the downtown area. She noted, “We have curvilinear sidewalks there, nice shade trees… Now you want to turn 300 cars loose coming across that sidewalk where people walk.”
Chair Dave Hantzsche acknowledged the concerns but supported the project, stating it would be “good for the city in the long term” despite short-term growing pains.
Commissioner Jesse Gage supported the project as aligned with the city’s general plan, noting that “in order to convince a developer to build commercial property down where the old hotel used to be, you need more rooftops.”
What Comes Next
If no appeal is filed within the 20-day window, the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision will stand, as Development Services Director Rudy Esquivias explained at the meeting.
Wolff Enterprises had hoped to begin construction soon after approval, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2028. Gilbert emphasized that unlike other multi-family projects that have been approved but never built in Apache Junction, Wolff was “here to build it.”
Whether the developer will appeal to the City Council or submit a revised proposal remains to be seen, but the opposition from both residents and commission members suggests that significant changes would be needed to gain approval for a project of this scale at this location.
