East Phoenix Neighbors Push Back Against High-Density Development in Turney Villas Fight
Longtime residents of several Camelback East neighborhoods are mobilizing again to fight what they see as overreach by developers — and a local planning process that too often leaves neighbors behind.
On October 10, the Phoenix Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend a revised rezoning proposal at the northeast corner of 21st Street and Turney Avenue — a 1.82-acre site proposed for Turney Villas, a four-story, 64-unit market-rate apartment complex. But many residents of East Morningside, Cavalier Villa, and Peters View say the compromise still goes too far.
“It’s not that we’re against development,” says John Paletta, a 45-year resident leading the opposition. “It’s that we’re asking for responsible development that fits our neighborhood — not four-story rental boxes towering over homes.”
A History of Community Compromise
This isn’t the first time neighbors have stepped in to shape development. In the 1980s and 1990s, similar projects nearby were revised after input from residents. The results? No building exceeded three stories, and traffic-calming features were installed — efforts still remembered by residents like Kathy DeLorey, who raised her family here and fought to make the streets safer.
Today, neighbors say they’re not being heard. They pushed for R-3A zoning — a middle-ground option that allows greater density than currently exists, but less than the developer’s request for R-5, the city’s densest multifamily zoning.
The developer, 4401 Turney Villas LLC, argues that R-5 zoning is already present directly south and west of the site. But opponents say those parcels are much larger and were developed in partnership with the community.
Traffic and Housing Concerns Drive Opposition
Height and traffic remain central concerns. Even with the revised proposal — reducing the unit count from 75 to 64 and trimming the perimeter height to three stories — neighbors say it’s not enough.
“There’s already too much cut-through traffic,” said DeLorey. “Adding 60-plus units of new renters with no ownership stake will overwhelm our streets.”
Instead of rental apartments, neighbors have requested owner-occupied condos or townhomes, which they say would better support the character and continuity of the neighborhood.
The Appeal Continues
After falling short of gathering enough petition signatures to force a supermajority Council vote, residents are taking their appeal to the Phoenix City Council on Wednesday, November 13. They hope to convince city leaders that the neighborhood’s vision for growth — one that prioritizes livability, walkability, and community continuity — deserves equal weight in development decisions.
The group has launched an informal coalition and is urging others in the area to attend the hearing and make their voices heard.
“They didn’t expect the neighborhood to push back,” said DeLorey. “But we are. And we’re not going anywhere.”
What You Can Do
- Attend the hearing: Wednesday, Nov. 13. Details at: phoenix.gov/cityclerk/publicmeetings/notices
- Review the staff report: phoenix.gov/pdd/planning-zoning/pzservices/pzstaff-reports
- Contact your councilmember: Let them know your views on development in your neighborhood.