Draft redevelopment plan goes to Planning & Zoning

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Maricopa’s redevelopment project, complete with recommendations from the Morrison Maierle consulting team and the input of local residents and stakeholders, goes to the Planning & Zoning Commission tonight in the form of a draft plan.

Three separate community workshops have been held to elicit the concerns and suggestions of residents and landowners in the redevelopment district area (RDA), Old Town Maricopa and agricultural areas west of the Ak-Chin Indian Community (see related story).

Redevelopment goals and objectives have been identified and refined, and a timeline for achieving those goals has also been determined. The plan itself will cover a 20-year time span with development occurring in five-year phases.

Some of the potential redevelopment projects that are part of this plan include: the establishment of a Heritage Park, a transportation center, an aquatics center, neighborhood cleanups and renovations, a trail system, better transportation circulation, overpasses and a new floodplain designation as well as area gateway markers.

During the April 14 forum, participants suggested that some action objectives be put in motion so residents would see immediate results. They also voiced the need to update the overall objectives, possibly every five years, while monitoring all progress toward goal attainment.

Residents want multi-family housing and infrastructure needs addressed “as soon as possible.” Infrastructure needs include water supply and pressure, the need to replace septic for a sewage system, lighting, paving and drainage. Additionally, they hope the views of existing residents will be protected when higher density housing is constructed, as well as the equestrian rights of homeowners.

Communication and the involvement of both the public and city departments were viewed as important with the top priority being the active pursuit of funding for RDA projects.

Several residents volunteered to serve on a Citizen Advisory Committee, which would be appointed by the City Council, to serve as an oversight group and help monitor the plan’s progress. Morrison Maierle recommended the committee to help maintain the momentum of the plan. The committee would be composed of RDA residents, landowners and businesses. They would be tasked with presenting an annual progress report to City Council.

“We have been very impressed with the interest of citizens and their input,” said Morrison Maierle engineer Greg Crossman earlier.

Following tonight’s presentation, the Planning & Zoning Commission will review the RDA plan, ensuring that it conforms to the city’s General Plan. After that the plan goes to city council, along with any P&Z recommendations. Council is scheduled to offer final approval in early June.

Photo by Joyce Hollis