At the December 19 Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, commissioners voted 5-4 against the application for rezoning for the proposed Spring Creek Ranch development.
The issue now goes to the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors who have final say. They can take the recommendation of P&Z or they can rule in favor of the applicant. The rezoning request is scheduled to come before the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday January 15, 2020. The meeting will begin at 9:00 AM and will take place at 10 S 6th Street in Cottonwood.
An overflow crowd of concerned citizens turned out for the P&Z meeting. A County planner noted that they have received 15 letters in support of the project and approximately 250 letters opposing it. The developers presented information about their proposal, with commission members asking questions. Then, a small number of citizens spoke in favor of the proposal, mostly business owners from Cottonwood and Sedona who are concerned about the lack of affordable housing.
A large number of citizens then spoke against the development, including a contingent from the Cornville Community Association and many Cornville residents. Objections included such things as the ultra-high density of the development, the lack of truly affordable housing with this business model, inevitable harm to Spring Creek and the cultural resources, safety and traffic concerns, the impact that 6,000 new residents will have on water resources as well as medical facilities and schools, and the lack of specifics in the developers’ proposal.
On a narrow 5-4 vote, Planning and Zoning voted to advise against this rezoning request. Commissioners cited the extreme density of the development as a key reason for opposing it.
Keep Sedona Beautiful emphasizes that this is now in the hands of the Board of Supervisors. These 5 elected officials have responsibility for making the final decision.
Residents of Yavapai County who have not yet made their feelings known about this proposal should contact both Yavapai County Development Services and each of the Supervisors.
To read more about this proposed mega-development, CLICK HERE.
We urge you to write now, and to prod your friends and neighbors to do the same.
All emails and letters must include your name and address or they will not be considered.
Send your email about Spring Creek Ranch to planning@yavapai.us
Or – Send a letter about Spring Creek Ranch to:
Yavapai County Development Services
10 South 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Please also email or mail County Supervisors about this project
Rowle P. Simmons: web.bos.district1@yavapai.us 1015 Fair Street Prescott, AZ 86305
Thomas Thurman: web.bos.district2@yavapai.us 1015 Fair Street Prescott, AZ 86305
Randy Garrison: web.bos.district3@yavapai.us 10 S 6th Street Cottonwood AZ 86326
Craig L. Brown: web.bos.district4@yavapai.us 1015 Fair Street Prescott, AZ 86305
Mary Mallory: web.bos.district5@yavapai.us 1015 Fair Street Prescott, AZ 86305