A rezoning request has been filed for 5536 N. 6th Street (formerly The Gathering Place Church) that could permanently alter the character of our neighborhood-and we need your voice now.
The developer is seeking to change the zoning from R1-10 (single-family, 3.5 dwelling units per acre) to R-3 (high density, 17.5 dwelling units per acre). This represents a 400% increase in density, allowing up to 40 units on just over 2.289 acres.
Zoning is Permanent. Promises are Not. What’s Being Promised vs. What Could Actually Be Built
It’s important for neighbors to understand a key risk: the plans being presented are not binding—the zoning is.
While the developer is currently proposing:
26 single-family attached homes
Building heights of 28 feet
Rear yard setbacks of 15 feet
The requested R-3 zoning would legally allow:
Up to 40 units on this parcel
Building heights of 30 feet by right (and up to 36 feet with parapets)
Zero side and rear setbacks
Once rezoning is approved, the developer is not required to stay within the current proposal. Plans can be modified administratively to increase density, height, and building massing—without additional neighborhood input or public hearings.
There is also the very real possibility that:
The property could be sold (“flipped”) to another developer
A future owner could pursue a more intensive project, including multi-family apartments instead of for-sale homes
In short: we are not voting on a specific project—we are being asked to approve a zoning change that allows far more than what is currently shown.
This creates a level of risk that many in the neighborhood may not fully realize.
Why Does this Matter?
This proposal is fundamentally incompatible with the defining characteristics of our North Central neighborhood-large lots with generous setbacks, predominantly one-story homes in the surrounding area, open space, light and mature landscaping.
Under R-3 zoning, this site could include:
Buildings up to 30 feet tall (and potentially 48 feet if combined with an adjacent R-3 property).
Zero side and rear setbacks.
Long, continuous, massive structures that block view corridors, light and airflow.
In addition, the project raises serious concerns about:
Traffic congestion: A projected increase of 300+ daily trips on 6th Street, a narrow residential road currently service just six homes.
Safety and access: All traffic entering and exiting onto 6th Street, already impacted by congestion from Missouri Ave. No open space for children.
Parking Shortages: No meaningful on-site or overflow parking, with no street parking provided.
Approving this rezoning does not just impact one parcel-it opens the door to widespread change across our entire neighborhood. North Central includes over 100 acres of church-owned properties, all of which are zoned R1-10. If this request is approved, it creates a clear pathway for these properties to seek the same high-density rezoning.
It also sets precedent for R1-10 zoning throughout our community- which represents the majority of our residential area-to be reconsidered for significantly higher density. Imagine the cumulative impact of a 400% increase in density across multiple properties.
Increased traffic and congestion on residential streets not designed for it.
Loss of open, spacious character that defines North Central.
Pressure on infrastructure, parking and public safety resources.
Gradual erosion of property values tied to neighborhood character and livability.
This is how change happens, not all at once, but one approval at a time. This decision will not exist in isolation. It will set the tone for what comes next.
What You Can Do
Your participation is critical. Decisions like this are influenced by community input-especially thoughtful, personal responses.
1. Send an email of opposition. Share your concerns in your own words (this carries more weight than a form letter.) Please include the Z-186-25-6 for proposed rezoning project Sofia on 6th to:
City of Phoenix, John Roanhorse: john.roanhorse@phoenix.gov
Councilman Kevin Robinson: kevin.robinson@phoenix.gov
Councilwoman Laura Pastor: laura.pastor@phoenix.gov
2. Attend key public meetings:
Alhambra Village Planning meeting on May 26
Planning Commission on June 4
Phoenix City Council Meeting on July 1
Here is a summary of opposition points for you to consider for your opposition email.
