Citizens need to speak up on new building heights

EDITORIAL

By Matt Brabb
Mogollon Connection Editor

Despite fears to the contrary, it appears that the Payson skyline will never rival that of Phoenix. If the changes to the Universal Development Code currently being considered by the town council pass, the apprehension over rows of seven story buildings along the Beeline highway in Payson is likely unnecessary.

The changes will result in an increase from 35 to 45 feet in height for buildings when considered in terms of livable space. In addition, developers can petition the town planning and zoning commission to allow for an additional 25 percent of height.

So the possibility does exist that structures as high as 56 feet will be built if the amendment passes. With a little architectural ingenuity, that means we could see buildings with as many as six stories.

However, in order to get permission from the town to build something that high, a developer will have to satisfy the planning and zoning commission on a number of issues. These include visual impacts on ridgelines/skylines, height relative to the centerline of adjacent roadways, preservation of native vegetation, scale of adjacent development, elimination of slum or blight, privacy of adjacent property owners, distance of the proposed building to the edge of the property, benefit to the community, and location and size of the land parcel.

Any party who disagrees with the judgment made by planning and zoning will be able to appeal the matter to the town council.

The concerns brought up by Payson Fire Chief Martin DeMasi need to be addressed by the council. At present, the staffed fire engines used by the town can only cover buildings that exist within the current height limitations. If there are ever to be five or six story buildings in town, adjustments will need to be made, and the ladder truck the town has that could be used for taller buildings will need permanent staffing.

Members of the council have said all along that the changes to the UDC would not mean the town would be inundated with tall buildings. Speculation has centered on a dormitory for a new college, and possibly a convention center or hotel. Given the number of empty storefronts in Payson, it seems unlikely that the town will suddenly be the center of a massive build up anytime soon.

Still, the change does mark a significant shift in opinion regarding development from previous administrations. The prospect of water from the CC Cragin Pipeline, which nearly doubles the amount of water available to the town, has allowed town leaders to plan for expansion in terms unheard of in prior times.

For that reason, citizens will need to stay aware of changes like these and participate in the process. Only a handful of people spoke at the public hearing to give their opinion. Judging from the public reaction at various events around town, clearly a great many people were against the idea of a blanket change to the rules allowing for seven story buildings everywhere. It is curious then, that only a couple people showed up to give voice to their concerns to the council.

The council will next take up the matter on Thursday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. If you still have concerns about the matter, speak your mind.