Willo Zoning Committee Update (By Opal Wagner, Coronado)

Nov. 21, 2019 – ZA-541-19-4, Hearing for requested use permits and variances to relocate and rebuild existing billboards at the Northwest corner of Central Ave. and Thomas Rd., and to convert two of the billboards to digital, was continued to no earlier than Jan. 9, 2020 to allow applicant to correct the measurements on the application and re-send notices. NOTE: Willo residents who have questions or concerns about the proposed digital billboard conversion on the northwest corner of Central and Thomas are encouraged to attend the hearing and make their concerns known. Please check the City of Phoenix Public Meeting Notices webpage and willophx.com for updates.

Nov. 21, 2019 – HPCA 1900358, A Certificate of Appropriateness was approved as filed for removing a 176 sq. ft. non-historic porch infill and replacing it with an attached pergola, constructing a 164 sq. ft. addition at the NW corner of the home, a 124 sq. ft. side addition along the northern portion of the eastern façade, and a detached 152 sq. ft. porte cochere over the concrete driveway along the eastern façade at 54 W. Holly. The HP hearing officer found that the proposed changes met historic preservation guidelines in that they are subordinate to the historic home, are set back appropriately from the front elevation of the home and use materials and finishes that are distinguishable from the historic structure.

Dec. 4, 2019 – Z-41-19-4, The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the rezoning of the NW corner of Central Ave. and Thomas Rd. from C-2 TOD-1, R-4 TOD-1 and P-1 TOD-1 to WU Code T6: HWR MT to facilitate construction of a high-rise development up to 350’. Willo President Dr. Robert Cannon addressed the Council regarding the Willo NA’s expectation to be kept informed and to work collaboratively with the developer and the City of Phoenix on issues that may potentially impact Willo, including digital billboard placement, lighting and traffic.

Dec. 12, 2019 – HPCA 1900335, A Certificate of Appropriateness was approved as filed for infilling a 154 sq. ft. patio along the west elevation and a 442 sq. ft. addition at 522 W. Holly. The HP hearing officer determined that the proposed changes met historic preservation guidelines and indicated the changes would not adversely affect the home’s status as a historic contributor, which the homeowners had verified by presenting their plans to the State Historic Preservation Office prior to the hearing.

Dec. 12, 2019 – ZA-558-19-4, A variance seeking over-height (24-36-inch) signs (12 inches permitted) for the new Barro’s Pizza location at 2601 N. Central Ave. was denied as filed, granted with the following stipulations: signs on the west façade shall be no greater than 24” in height, signs shall be dimmed to 50% brightness at 10:00 p.m., and LED modules no greater than 3000K color temperature shall be used.