Christina Estes/KJZZ

Hikers visit South Mountain Park in Phoenix.

One of Phoenix’s most treasured parks is getting new neighbors. A developer plans to build apartments next to the South Mountain Park and Preserve.

In 1989, the land at the northeast corner of 7th Street and Mineral Road was zoned to develop a resort that would operate alongside a golf course. The resort was never built and the golf course closed.

Last year, Phoenix council members approved plans for single-family homes to replace the golf course, and last week they approved plans for apartments to replace the 29 acres previously zoned for a resort.

Kay Shepard who lives in south Phoenix told council members the project provides much-needed diversity in housing, “Not everybody wants a big yard. Not everybody even wants a yard.”

After some residents expressed concerns, the applicant, 7th Street Development Company, agreed to reduce density, so the complex will have no more than 240 units. The city also requires a storm water storage facility be added to address flooding issues.