New development is coming to an area of southwest Phoenix once known for its farms and abundant open space. 

A former dairy and farm land at 59th Avenue and Dobbins Road in Laveen will become a large apartment complex. The developer’s original request to rezone nearly 15 acres was unanimously rejected by residents who make up Laveen’s Village Planning Committee. 

Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari said follow up meetings between the developer and residents led to improvements, “ From these conversations there were measures taken to preserve some scenic views along Dobbins Road by reducing one of the buildings from three stories to two stories.”

An ongoing concern among many Laveen residents is the lack of commercial development — they want more retail and entertainment options. A representative for P.B. Bell, the apartment developer, told the city council that bringing more high quality multi-family housing into Laveen will attract retail development. 

In south Phoenix, a developer will put money into a special account to address residents’ concerns.

The developer, identified as Baseline 25, LLC, wants to build a shopping center and apartment complex at the northwest corner of 27th Street and Baseline Road. Neighbors worry about increased traffic and pedestrian safety. As part of negotiations, the developer will add a second entrance and exit into the complex. It will also put $350,000 into an escrow account for traffic mitigation. 

Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia, who represents the area, thinks the requirements will improve safety, “And then look to the streets department to make sure that that money is well spent and that we take the safety of the residents around the area concerns and make sure we try to make it as safe as possible.”

The money could be spent on a future traffic light or pedestrian crossing signal.