Goodyear approves contested 925-unit Willis Road storage facility 7-5-1 despite fire safety concerns
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA — July 10, 2023

Goodyear approves contested 925-unit Willis Road storage facility 7-5-1 despite fire safety concerns

Goodyear city council approved multiple commercial developments including contested mini storage facility (7-5-1), welcomed Quick Trip and medical facility unanimously, unveiled innovative public art, and advanced data center rezoning while addressing resident concerns about growth, traffic, and water resources.

Goodyear Council Approves Controversial Mini Storage at Willis Road Despite Fire Safety and Hazardous-Materials Concerns; Passes Four Other Major Developments

Goodyear City Council on July 10, 2023, approved a 925-unit mini storage facility at Willis Road and West Monte Vista Drive in a contentious 7–5–1 vote, overriding substantial resident opposition centered on noise assessments, hazardous-materials enforcement, and fire-safety protocols. The project sits in Estrella Mountain Ranch, immediately adjacent to the Segovia residential community, and generated seven public speakers opposed and only two in support during Planning and Zoning Commission review. The council meeting also saw unanimous approval of a QuikTrip Corporation gas station, an Abrazo Litchfield medical facility, and a Palm Valley interior storage project, plus the unveiling of an innovative public art installation and a Stream Data Center rooftop-equipment rezoning.

Key Speeches

"This particular assessment is anecdotal in nature because the engineer used all their data from other storage facility models and Facilities that are elsewhere in Phoenix or in other towns they did not do site-specific performance calculations and attenuation modeling." — Steve Johnston, Willis Road neighbor and property owner opposing the facility

"I have complete confidence in these two men. We don't take questions at this point because I'm letting you know with Assurance this is we don't question." — Councilmember Vicki Gillis, supporting the Willis Road project and endorsing Fire Chief Paul Louise and Police Chief Jimmy Santiago

"These are your neighbors that are going to be using these type of facilities. There are older people that are downsizing, there are people whose kids are coming back from college... there are people Realtors who own businesses that need a place to put their signs, their staging furniture." — Councilmember Laura Lortano, acknowledging demand but expressing aesthetic concerns

"We have many storage facilities throughout our city, all in varying sizes and shapes so we really have no concerns with them." — Fire Chief Paul Louise, on fire suppression capability and annual inspections

"I do not see any additional crime... no different than Safeway or some of the other businesses up there." — Police Chief Jimmy Santiago, responding to crime-statistics concerns raised by residents

Timeline

Willis Road Mini Storage Facility

Opposition

Number of speakers against: 7 (Steve Johnston, Jeff Redman, Ryan Gustafson representing Neil Wilson, plus four written speaker cards indicating opposition)

Main concerns:

  1. Inadequate noise modeling: Noise study relied on other facilities' data and one site visit; no site-specific acoustic attenuation or performance modeling; consultant used largest decibel output of proposed unit brand to estimate 41–44 dB but without real-world modeling certainty.

  2. Hazardous-materials enforcement gap: Residents noted that compliance is a signed agreement with no enforcement mechanism (no unit-inspection authority); applicant security relies on cameras but cannot mandate tenant unit openings.

  3. Fire and hazardous-chemical risk: Mesa storage facility fire (December 2022) cited as precedent; concerns that Class A fire suppression alone inadequate for flammable, toxic, or explosive materials; absence of inert-gas suppression systems.

  4. Increased crime likelihood: Residents cited statistical links between storage facilities and violent crime, drug use, break-ins, illegal dumping; no specific crime data provided by opposition but cited as inevitable consequence.

  5. Zoning and communication failures: Sign positioning near fire station meant 99% of surrounding residents unaware of project; formal notice cards reached only handful of 500-foot perimeter; property rezoned "to something why" after 2021 home purchases.

  6. Neighborhood character and property values: Estrella Mountain Ranch built as secluded community away from all-inclusive resort amenities; residents purchased specifically to avoid such density; storage facility incompatible with existing aesthetic.

  7. Design aesthetic: 14-foot building with 26 industrial-grade AC units on roof; north-facing elevation toward Segovia community lacks architectural distinction.

Most compelling arguments:

Organized groups: None formally named; ad-hoc coalition of Segovia and Cantamia residents; Litchfield Park Historical Society present but not opposed.

Support

Number of speakers in favor: 2 (Mike Durda, applicant Michelle Bach)

Main arguments:

  1. Market demand and community benefit: Storage facilities serve aging residents downsizing, businesses requiring inventory space, small-business owners (realtors, contractors, pandemic home-business operators), and Canadian snowbirds storing RVs and seasonal goods.

  2. Minimal traffic and noise impact: University of Kansas study cited: <50% of renters visit storage units monthly, predominantly Sunday mornings, avoiding peak-hour traffic. AC units at Cantamia homes operate at 72 decibels, far louder than projected 44 dB facility noise.

  3. Architectural and design quality: Building aesthetics well-executed; setbacks and landscaping generous; height (26 feet max) less than permitted two-story residential (30 feet); compatible with surrounding commercial and fire-station uses.

  4. Limited alternative uses: Water Reclamation Facility easement prohibits restaurants, retail, and intensive uses; storage is passive, low-impact use compared to warehousing, manufacturing, or equipment rental allowed by zoning.

  5. Police and fire department endorsement: Chiefs Louise and Santiago testified that sprinkler systems and annual inspections mitigate fire risk; police patrols and surveillance cameras deter crime; no material increase in incidents anticipated compared to other businesses.

Organized support: None formal; mainly applicant and one individual resident (Durda, Cantamia resident).

Project Details

Vote Breakdown

Outcome & Next Steps

Willis Road mini storage was approved subject to the following stipulations:

Project timeline: Site plan and construction permitting next; applicant must address noted design and aesthetic concerns during final design review if Lortano or others raise them.

Future amendments: If market demand for RV/boat storage emerges, applicant may file use-permit amendment requiring new public hearing and council approval.

Controversies & Context

Zoning and Property-Rights Tension

The Willis Road controversy highlights a disconnect between state statutory notification (500-foot radius, sign posting, legal advertisement) and residents' expectations of prior notice before purchase. Jeff Redman's statement—"after we purchased the homes in 2021 we're told that the land was zoned something X and after we purchased the homes the land has been rezoned to something why"—reflects resident frustration even though the property has been zoned Business Park since 2008. Wally Campbell and City Attorney Matthew clarified that Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) govern notification procedures and that the 2022 PD amendment affected only residential zones, not the Willis Road parcel. However, the disconnect between the letter of the law (zoning since 2008) and residents' practical knowledge (property appeared agricultural/open until recent development pressure) underscores the vulnerability of Estrella Mountain Ranch residents to infill that complies with law but violates community expectations.

Fire Code and Mesa Precedent

The December 2022 Mesa storage facility fire, which burned to the ground and remains under investigation, haunted the opposition. Resident Ryan Gustafson, citing Neil Wilson's concerns, pointed to the lack of retaining walls and inert-gas fire suppression in the proposed design. Fire Chief Paul Louise responded that automatic sprinkler systems "should" suppress most fires and that annual inspections would catch signs of hazardous storage. This "automatic sprinkler + inspection" model, however, differs from inert-gas suppression systems and was not tested in the Mesa incident. Wally Campbell direct question—"Chief, have you had any ... violent crimes ... or drugs ... in a storage unit?"—and the chief's vague reply ("I'm sure there are some other calls out there") revealed the lack of Goodyear-specific data, forcing the council to rely on professional judgment rather than local evidence.

State Preemption and Zoning Constraints

Councilmember Laura Lortano emphasized that the property's proximity to the Rainbow Valley Water Reclamation Facility and its noise/odor easement legally prohibit restaurants, retail, and other intensive uses. Only certain low-impact uses (warehousing, light manufacturing, equipment rental, storage) are permitted. This state-imposed constraint (via easement law) meant that the debate was not whether commercial infill should occur but what type of commercial infill was least damaging. Lortano's argument for interior storage (Palm Valley model) rather than exterior storage (Willis Road model) represented a plea for design compromise within the bounds of the allowable.

"Growth vs. Community Character" Resident Concerns

During non-agenda public comment, resident Christina Jang raised a broader concern: Goodyear was selling agricultural land to developers, losing farms and open space, over-investing in municipal amenities (city hall building, parking lot) while under-investing in veterans services, and building dense housing in a desert with uncertain water sustainability. Although Jang's comments preceded formal council response, the tension between rapid commercial development and residents' desire for slower growth, agricultural preservation, and sustainability recurred implicitly in the Willis Road debate. Lortano's reference to Estrella Mountain Ranch being designed as a self-sufficient community (by Charles Keating, who also built the Phoenician) and Brannon Hampton acknowledgment that "you didn't buy the Mountain View; you bought the view fencing" illustrated council recognition of the growth–nostalgia conflict without resolving it.

Other Notable Items

Imagine This Place Public Art Installation (Unanimously Celebrated)

Artist Mary Lucking unveiled five interactive glass and mirror sculptures at Bullard Wash featuring podcast interviews about the park's history and future. Fabricated by E-Squared (Phoenix) and Meltdown Glass (Tempe) and incorporating input from the Litchfield Park Historical Society, the project was funded by the city and leveraged local artists. Vicki Gillis, Brannon Hampton, Lortano, and Wally Campbell all praised the work as innovative and culturally enriching. No vote was required; this was a presentation and celebration.

QuikTrip Corporation Convenience Store and Gas Station (Approved 6–0)

Applicant Daniel Chambers presented a 5,300 sq ft convenience store and 8,000 sq ft fuel canopy at the northeast corner of Yuma Road and 173rd Avenue, capacity for 20 vehicles, 24-hour operations. First major gas station for the 303 south corridor. One neighborhood-meeting attendee opposed (noise, smell, crime concerns); one resident emailed support. Council members (Brannon Hampton, Lortano, Wally Campbell, Joe Pizzillo) noted lack of gas service in the area and welcomed the project. Approved unanimously 6–0.

Abrazo Litchfield Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (Approved 6–0)

PMB Executive Vice President Jake Dennen presented a 46,300 sq ft two-story medical facility (7 am–7 pm medical offices and imaging on first floor; 24/7 inpatient rehabilitation on second floor) at 1375 North Litchfield Road. Connected to adjacent Abrazo West Hospital via pedestrian pathways. Addresses healthcare gap in west Goodyear; estimated 20-day average patient stay. Approved unanimously 6–0. Wally Campbell noted the Abrazo West Valley Hospital previously housed inpatient rehab and expressed enthusiasm for local healthcare options.

Palm Valley Phase Two Mini Storage (Approved 6–0)

Owner Dan Gibson (Abernathy Holdings) presented a three-story interior storage facility at northwest corner of North Litchfield Road and West McDowell Road within Palm Valley Commerce Park. 46-foot setback within property; 30-foot landscape buffer to residential; no west-facing windows; limited lighting on rear and west elevations; main entrance facing east toward commercial (Haymaker restaurant). One resident attended neighborhood meeting in support; no opposition emails or calls. Approved unanimously 6–0. Lortano praised the design and interior-access model (which minimizes noise and foot traffic disturbance to residents compared to Willis Road exterior model).

Stream Data Center PD Amendment (Approved 6–0)

Attorney Andrew Yancey (Bergen Frank Smalley and Overholtzer) representing Stream Data Center requested a limited PD overlay amendment to allow rooftop chillers to cover up to 90% of roof area (vs. current 50% zoning limit) and extend parapet screening wall height throughout the linear length of the building (vs. 50% limit). Data center operates closed-loop air chillers to dissipate heat efficiently; spacing requirements prevent overheating of adjacent units. No other development standards or uses affected. No public opposition. Staff and Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. Approved 6–0. Wally Campbell asked if other Stream facilities use this rooftop configuration; Yancey confirmed they operate nationwide with similar systems.

Citrus Road Annexation (Approved 6–0)

Principal Planner Christian Williams presented annexation of 3.26 acres on the east half of Citrus Road between Van Buren and Harrison streets. Property owned by Meritage Homes and City of Goodyear; intended as right-of-way for Citrus Road improvements to city standards and support for adjacent Silva Farms development and Fire Station 188. County zoning (RU-4, RU-43, Agriculture) would become AU (Agricultural Urban) upon annexation. No public comment. Approved 6–0 via Resolution 2023-2321.

Duration

Controversies & Context (Extended)

Community Expectations vs. Zoning Law

The Willis Road controversy exemplifies a recurring theme in exurban Arizona growth: residents purchase homes in areas zoned for commercial development, assume the zoning won't change (or won't be activated), and then resist when it is. Councilmember Lortano noted that "a lot of people say that" when discussing concerns about Cantamia and other developments, and she invoked former Mayor Georgia Lord's wisdom: "you only bought the view fencing, not the view." The council's position was essentially that property rights and zoning law take precedence over residents' ex-post-facto expectations. However, the tension revealed in the debate—about whether notification, design quality, and safety protocols could be improved—suggests that the council recognizes (even if it doesn't fully resolve) the legitimacy of residents' concerns.

Fire and Police Departments as De-Facto Arbiters

The most striking procedural outcome was Vicki Gillis decision to put the fire and police chiefs on the stand in response to resident concerns. Rather than relying on staff analysis or the applicant's noise study, Vicki Gillis sought reassurance from uniformed professionals with 24/7 operational authority. Both chiefs provided categorical but brief reassurances: Louise said storage facilities are "no concern"; Santiago said he did "not anticipate" increased crime and that officer patrols would suffice. Neither chief provided data (Goodyear storage facility fire history, storage-facility crime statistics). This shift toward professional judgment (vs. quantitative evidence) may reflect the difficulty of quantifying novel risk in a growing city, or it may signal deference to operational expertise. Either way, the council's reliance on the chiefs' testimony, and Gillis's explicit statement of confidence in them, converted a zoning question into a public-safety question—and then delegated the answer to the police and fire departments.

Water Resources and Sustainability Unaddressed

Christina Jang's non-agenda public comment raised questions about water sustainability in the desert and the city's development pace. Although Mayor Joe Pizzillo acknowledged her concern and referred her to staff liaison Justin for a follow-up discussion, no council member engaged with the substance: How many more units can Goodyear support? What is the city's 10- or 20-year water plan? How does mini-storage development (low-water use) compare to residential or manufacturing (high-water use) in long-term sustainability? The absence of response reflects either the council's confidence in city water planning or its reluctance to revisit growth assumptions during a public hearing. Jang's comment that the city may only be using "46 percent" of its water allocation suggests that sustainability concerns, while real, are not yet a binding constraint on development approval.