Issues concerning "Big Box" development
At the April 18, 2002, meeting, the Planning Department listed some of
the issues of Big Box development identified to them as being of concern to
the affected parties:
-
Neighbors:
- No input from adjacent neighbors on review of project, except at
final stage when presented to Mayor and Council.
- Applicability to big box building does not necessarily apply to
all buildings on site (setbacks, buffers, etc.)
- Noise from development. Impact also great on neighbors if tall
walls installed to mitigate noise.
- Adverse impact from exhaust, fumes, etc., on adjacent neighbors.
- Light pollution, both in general and to adjacent neighbors.
- Longer hours of operation tend to create opportunities for
- Increase in amount of traffic in neighborhood.
criminal activity [in the neighborhoods].
- Devaluing of properties in nearby area.
- Visual impact on, and compatibility (scale, architectural design
elements,etc.) with, adjacent residential development.
- Adverse impacts from adjacent loading, idling trucks.
- Adverse impacts from mechanical equipment.
- Storage of hazardous material in quantity (i.e., paint and
similar products.
- Concern over what happens to vacant stores if developer leaves.
- Concern about what happens to "Mom and Pop" stores currently
serving the neighborhood if big box is developed.
- Obstruction of existing scenic views from residential
developments.
- The adverse impacts from the ever-present "sea of asphalt", both
water run-off and heat gain.
-
Developers:
- Cannot develop a big box as a matter of right.
Even if all performance criteria met, cannot be guaranteed approval
at Mayor and Council hearing.
- Questions over procedural issues taking additional time.
- Some performance criteria subjective in nature, and open to
multiple interpretation.
URL: http://urban-issues.com/Current-Events/bbsc-records/plan-dept-issues-list.html
Last revised: May 30, 2002
John Rupley: rupley@u.arizona.edu