State lawmakers want to give churches, synagogues, mosques and other nonprofit religious institutions the ability to use their land to build affordable homes – and do it regardless of whether those projects conflict with area zoning.With an 11-5 vote Monday, the House Appropriations Committee approved a measure that would give what some have called overly broad leeway for churches – and the developers that would work with them – to construct three-story or more multi-family homes and apartments on the property they own.
The approval came despite objections by legislators who were worried the new church-owned developments might sharply change the character of residential neighborhoods.
Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, who also represents Paradise Valley, was unconvinced that the bill could be fixed with new restrictions, such as a 150-foot setback from existing homes, before it becomes law.
“I can still see this three-story apartment complex with significant density in a single-family home,” he said.
Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix
“I can certainly see into the windows,” Gress said. “And they can certainly see into my back yard.”
Others, however, have a different perspective.
“This bill is very personal for me,” said Rep. Lorena Austin. “I grew up in multi-family housing.”
But the bigger issue, said the Democrat from Mesa, is the affordability of housing in the area.
“We have townhouses in my district going for $350,000,” she said. “Housing is something we need very desperately.”
What became clear during Monday’s debate is that the bill, in its current form, is unlikely to get the votes it needs without significant changes.
Several lawmakers agreed to vote to have it go forward to Gov. Katie Hobbs on the promise that it be tightened up to prevent loopholes that would allow developers to “game” the system. But even that may not be enough to overcome opposition from neighborhood groups, opposition that was strong enough last year to kill a similar plan in the Senate.
Rep. Lorena Au …
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