Glendale Centerline project gets the go-ahead

Revitalization efforts for downtown Glendale moved forward Tuesday. The City Council unanimously approved the establishment of the Centerline Overlay District to give property owners more flexibility when it comes to building in the Glendale Avenue corridor from 43rd to 67th avenues between Myrtle and Ocotillo avenues.

The new zoning option is Glendale's attempt to boost the redevelopment of vacant and underperforming properties along one of the city's main corridors. The new standards allow for taller buildings, more floor space and mixed-used development.

City officials launched the renewed focus on Glendale Avenue more than two years ago. They want to transform Glendale's aging downtown into a pedestrian-friendly urban village with dining, entertainment, retail shops and housing.

Councilman Phil Lieberman, whose district includes part of Glendale Avenue, called the new standards "a very vital part of our Centerline project" in that it allows businesses more opportunities.

Councilwoman Yvonne Knaack, who owns an insurance business in the Centerline project area, applauded the new building standards.

"It's a very progressive economic tool for the city," Knaack said. "It will do wonders for this area."

Property owners will be able to develop their properties using the existing zoning or the overlay district but not both.

The overlay bans certain uses such as tattoo parlors, halfway houses and car dealerships.

The overlay's main benefit is greater height, intensity and density in building. In the Historic Downtown District, buildings would be allowed to reach 60 feet, compared with the current cap of 30 feet. And the overlay would allow for up to 50 dwelling units per acre, which is prohibited in the current zoning.

by Cecilia Chan The Arizona Republic Jun. 20, 2011 07:12 AM




Glendale Centerline project gets the go-ahead