Proposition 482, on the July 30 ballot, lets Maricopa voters decide if the city can sell several pieces of land around town for “community and economic development” opportunities.
New polling shows most voters support the measure.
Prop 482 would authorize the city to sell 728 acres of city-owned property to fund “community and economic development designed to create local jobs and enhance the local economy,” according to city documents.
The city collected public comments on the proposition in April and May before placing it on the ballot. Arizona law requires city land sales valued over $1.5 million be first approved by voters in a special election before the sale can occur. Documents did not specify how much the land is valued at. The sale includes 328 acres of the $29.3 million industrial land purchase Maricopa City Council approved in April.
An InMaricopa poll of 304 random voters contacted through text message and email shows a majority (62%) plan to vote yes.
Province resident Bill Robertson has been the most outspoken proponent of Prop 482, saying it will bring “local good jobs” the community has been asking for. But he said he does “think it will be a close vote” once the polls open in 18 days. Some people have already voted via early ballots mailed July 3.
Fewer (38%) of voters polled said they oppose the ballot measure.
“No vote from me,” said The Villages resident Betty Pilnock. “I feel we the residents should have a say in what are city council is doing.”
The Villages resident Peter Kaszubski said he was “still on the fence.”
