Last week on Dec. 10, Buckeye’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved three major development projects, paving the way for expanded housing options and a 3.4-million-square-foot industrial complex that will bolster the city’s economic growth along the State Route 85 corridor.
The approvals include an expansion of the Buena Vista manufactured home park, a comprehensive sign plan for the Sunrise Commerce Center, and a large-scale industrial site plan for Buckeye 225 — key projects that reflect the city’s focus on meeting housing demand and attracting new businesses.
The commission approved a conditional use permit to expand the existing Buena Vista manufactured home park by 5.8 acres, adding 32 new home sites.
The site, located south of West Yuma Road and South Apache Road, is surrounded by single-family residential developments and commercial zoning. City staff noted that the project’s proposed density of 5.5 dwelling units per acre aligns with neighboring communities like the Villages at Sundance, which range from 3.2 to four units per acre.
Commissioners raised concerns about traffic impact on Apache Road, a key corridor for the area. Chris Burch, representing the applicant, clarified that the expansion would connect to internal roads within the existing park, avoiding direct access onto Apache Road.
City Traffic Engineer John Willet confirmed that planned improvements for Apache Road — expected by fiscal year 2026 — will include widening the road to two southbound lanes, ensuring traffic flow keeps up with growth.
The commission unanimously approved the project, recognizing its consistency with surrounding development and its ability to meet local housing needs.
The commission also approved a comprehensive sign plan for Sunrise Commerce Center, a commercial flex-space project at Yuma Road and Apache Road. The development will feature two freestanding signs: A 15-foot monument sign at the main entrance and a 65-foot freeway pylon sign for visibility along Interstate 10.
Ken Galica, Buckeye’s planning manager, emphasized that the signage design complements the center’s modern architecture. “These signs provide strong visibility for future tenants while maintaining a cohesive, high-quality look,” he said.
The five-building project, previously approved for site development, is expected to house a mix of single- and multi-tenant businesses, providing significant commercial opportunities in the area. Commissioners praised the design and voted unanimously in favor of the plan.
In the evening’s largest approval, the commission greenlit the site plan for Buckeye 225, a 3.4-million-square-foot light industrial complex at Baseline Road and State Route 85.
The project, spanning 118 acres, will include six single-story buildings designed for warehouse, distribution, and light manufacturing uses. The largest building will measure nearly 1 million square feet, with additional structures ranging from 273,000 to 450,000 square feet.
Holly Reading, representing the developer, highlighted the site’s design, which includes significant landscape buffers up to 150 feet wide, 8-foot decorative walls to shield loading areas, and 2,800 parking spaces.
Commissioner Paul Trupiano inquired about the potential impact of future SR-85 freeway expansion on the project. City Traffic Engineer John Willet assured the commission that the Arizona Department of Transportation has planned for interchanges and upgrades, minimizing any disruption to the site.
Chair Burton noted the project’s alignment with the city’s goals for the SR-85 corridor, highlighting its modern design and economic opportunities.
The meeting concluded with commissioners expressing excitement about the projects’ role in addressing Buckeye’s growth needs, from housing to industrial development. Chair Burton noted the city’s strategic focus on creating opportunities for both residents and businesses.
The commission also announced the cancellation of its December 24 meeting due to the holidays. The next meeting will be held in January 2025.
