Planning and Zoning Commission hears status of General Plan update

Maricopa’s Planning and Zoning Commission met Monday for updates on the status of the General Plan report, the city sign kiosk project and the proposed annexation.

Senior Planner Kazi Haque explained the General Plan update process, which is done by planning staff and presented to the Commission. In accordance with Arizona statutes the General Plan can be updated at any time at the city’s discretion, particularly as new elements like demographic or economic data need to be added.

Maricopa’s General Plan was voter approved in May 2006 with one amendment, the Volkswagen land change, in December 2006. The five key elements included in the plan are: land use, circulation (transportation routes), economic development, parks, recreation and open space, and public services and facilities. According to the plan’s introduction, it is a “framework for future decision making.”

Haque noted that environmental elements like air quality and water use might be added as well as mass transit and bicycle routes. A survey will go out to residents after direction from the City Council to begin the update process. The update is largely dependent on the survey results.

“We will come back to you after further evaluation,” Haque told the commissioners, setting early next month as the target date. October 1 would be the first extensive update following “two or three meetings for groundwork.”

“I view the General Plan as a blueprint for moving forward,” said P & Z Commission Chairman Anthony Smith, indicating he would like the group to go through each element as well as the general goals and objectives. According to the plan itself, those goals and objectives are to be assessed for validity and achievement.

Sheana Rojemann from the planning department updated the commissioners in regard to the city’s sign kiosk project. Panel signs (one panel devoted to city use) will be located at various places throughout the city. The will be double paneled and approximately 8-10 feet tall. “The project has been postponed due to the branding movement,” explained Rojemann. “We are waiting until the branding consultant (Pat Davis Design Group) reports.”

The proposed annexation area is composed of 2,000 property owners who own 2,700 parcels of land, according to Administrative Assistant Nicole Dailey. The feasibility study will be complete in two to three weeks; after that public meetings will resume.

“It’s easy to get feedback from those who don’t want annexation,” Dailey said. “The biggest chunk is people we just haven’t heard from.”

Dailey also offered her help in registering commissioners for various seminars on Proposition 207, which went into law in December. This voter-approved proposition deals with eminent domain and compensation by municipalities to land owners for reduction in the fair market value of their properties.

Photo by Joyce Hollis