With the holiday season in full swing, not everyone can make city government meetings.

Here are a few takeaways from Monday’s Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

MET’s ridership decreased

Transit Supervisor Toni Flood presented new ridership numbers for Maricopa Express Transit’s circulator and dial-a-ride services from July 1 through Nov. 30.

Ridership fluctuated but overall totals dropped approximately 12% for both services compared to the same time period last year.

Commissioners Alfonso Juarez and Bill Robertson questioned what caused the drop in ridership, asking if there was a correlation between that and MET eliminating its 4 p.m. circulator route in September.

Flood said reduced staff in August may have caused a 45% drop in that month’s dial-a-ride totals.

Commissioners also requested more daily data and traffic studies to better assist in providing feedback on transit issues, as well as ideas on how to increase ridership.

“It’s just correlation we’re looking for, if there’s anything that we could do to help,” Roberts said.

Developers got extension on subdivision plans

Commissioners unanimously approved a one-time extension for a new neighborhood, Red Valley Ranch, at the southwest corner of Farrell and Anderson Roads.

The plans for a proposed subdivision were first approved in November 2021 but the developer’s obligation to submit final plans expired last year.

The extension allows Scottsdale-based Crescent Bay Holdings two years to submit final plans after resubmitting required preliminary materials.

Zoning amendments approved

Commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the subdivision and zoning sections of the Maricopa city code. Previously brought to the board in October, the proposed city code changes include boarding kennel regulations and landscaping requirements.

City council will take additional action on the amendments Jan. 16.

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