Controversial Chandler affordable housing project on life support
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A proposed housing complex near Chandler Municipal Airport that would add nearly 300 affordable apartment units for seniors is on life support.
Why it matters: Arizona faces an extreme housing shortage, but attempts to build multifamily projects — especially affordable ones — often get pushback from surrounding neighborhoods.
The latest: The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Wednesday to postpone a planned vote on the project "indefinitely."
- The land is on a county island and needed the board's approval to move forward.
Catch up quick: In 2022, affordable housing developer Dominium first proposed building 518 affordable apartments, with about one-third reserved for senior residents.
- The Chandler City Council opposed the proposal and encouraged the County Board to reject it after residents raised concerns about increased traffic and crime.
- Last year, Dominium revamped the project, dubbed Sonoran Landings, in hopes of appeasing neighbors, but it has faced continued opposition.
- The city notified the county last month that it would not provide water or sewer services to the development, which led county staff to recommend the project not be approved.
What's next: Dominium says it will continue to work to develop the land near Arizona Avenue and Ocotillo Road, though it's unclear what next steps will be.
- County Board Chair Jack Sellers encouraged the city of Chandler to annex the 24-acre parcel, which could allow Dominium to try again through the city's zoning process — though significant changes would likely be needed to win over the City Council.