(Photo by Christina Estes - KJZZ)

Residents opposed to an apartment complex project dressed in orange shirts at Phoenix city council meeting.

A single zoning request in Phoenix is being framed as a case for Millennials. And, one councilman predicts it’s going to become a classic battle throughout the city.

In the past few years a string of new restaurants has opened along 7th Street in central Phoenix. Now, a developer wants to add a three and four-story luxury apartment complex near 7th Street and Maryland Avenue.

In order for Atlanta-based Wood Partners to build more than 250 units on the northeast corner of 7th Street and Marlette Avenue, the council would have to grant a zoning designation known as a Planned Unit Development (PUD).

Attorney Stephen Earl, who represents Wood Partners, called it a “beautiful project” and said it is not designed “as an urban project.”

He said, “People who will rent here are at income levels of $100,000.”

Mary Crozier was among dozens of residents that showed up at Wednesday’s council meeting in opposition.

“Have we gotten so focused on getting money streams into our city that we’ve lost sight of who we are as a city?” she asked council members. “Do we want to become another Detroit or Houston and just blindly build without any thought to character, integrity, community pride? 

She said many neighbors support development, but think the project is too big. Some expressed concerns about the increased traffic on 7th Street and pedestrian safety. They warned council members that approving the project could set a precedent that would impact neighborhoods across the city.

Others spoke in support of the project including Tucker Woodbury, who owns several nearby bars and restaurants. Some supporters, including a handful that identified as Millennials, said the project is needed because the area is desirable, but lacks upscale rental options.

Councilman Sal DiCiccio who represents the area said, “This is going to be a classic battle throughout the city and it’s been happening already where you have established neighborhoods and you have properties and projects that are based for Millennials that want to live in that area. It’s been happening. This is not the first time and it won’t be the last time that we’re going to see a case like this."

Councilwoman Thelda Williams told opponents that she understands change is difficult and “going to happen whether you like it or not and when you get a quality project you should go with it.”

After listening to hours of public comment, Councilman Michael Nowakowski said he was not comfortable voting at that time, “What I heard today was that basically a 96 percent increase in density when it comes to units, when it comes to people and cars. And I heard very clear form the community their concern about traffic safety and fire safety.”

Councilwoman Kate Gallego suggested a two-week continuance and encouraged the developer to work neighbors. Councilwoman Deb Stark who is the former Director of Planning for Phoenix, offered to work with neighbors about their traffic concerns.

The council voted to revisit the project later this month.