PMPC is very concerned about the Verdin Housing Development project. The Taylor Morrison Verdin (formerly MacEwen 480) is a 480-acre Planned Unit Development (PUD). This site is pristine desert adjacent to the Sonoran Desert Preserve, located south of Sonoran Desert Drive, between Cave Creek and Apache Washes, and incorporates the smaller Mesquite Wash. This PUD will set a precedent for all future developments adjacent to the Sonoran Desert Preserve and along Sonoran Desert Drive. The northern third of this site is under the ‘Desert Character Overlay District’ (DCOD), per Section 653 of the Phoenix Zoning Ordinance. The DCOD is the result of hundreds of hours work by individuals committed to thoughtfully and specifically ensure the native desert areas adjacent to the Preserve are not eclipsed by future housing developments that disregard the fragile beauty of the desert. Present zoning is S-1 or one home-site per 35,000 SF; or about 500 homes. Their PUD proposes to increase the zoning to allow about 1,420 home sites!
For More Information
PMPC Letter to Desert View Village Planning
Talking Points for Issues of Concern
Phoenix Mountains Preservation Council (PMPC)
PMPC is an Arizona Registered 501(c)(4) Organization devoted to the protection of our desert preserves.