Draft Meeting Summary
Project: Northwest Citizens Group
Date: September 8, 2008 Time: 7:00pm
Location: Saguaro Jane’s Community Center
NWG Members Attending
Janis Atherton, Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Bruce Benner, Wittmann Resident
Harry Dame, Morristown Fire Chief
Sue Dolphin, Wittmann Resident
Sherry Lamb, Saguaro Jane’s
Patrick Leadabrand, Real Estate Broker
Larry Radish, President Hassayampa Chamber of Commerce
Renee Simpson, Simpson Roofing
Nancy Utter, Mobile Gardens
Jim Welch, Wittmann Fire Chief
Jacky Young, Saguaro Jane’s
Staff and Consultants Attending
John Godec, Godec, Randall, & Associates
Debbie Perry, City of Surprise
Janice See, City of Surprise, Planner
Lance Ferrell, City of Surprise, Planner
Guests
Jeff Blilie, Beus Gilbert PLLC
Charlie Potter, Land Baron
Laura Dever, CMX
Additional Attendees:
Councilman John Longabaugh
Brenda Longabaugh
Meeting Facilitation: John Godec
Meeting Summary: Debbie Perry
MEETING HANDOUTS:
• Development process flowchart
• August 27 press release for Grand Avenue Open House to be held on 9/9/08
• Upcoming project lists and maps
• Northwest Citizens Group updated member roster
PLANNING AND ZONING UPDATE:
The group received a project status handout which indicates the name of the project, its current status, the number of acres, and a brief description. Projects were broken down into the following groups
Gold = Annexation or General Plan Amendment projects. Zoning cases.
Green = Site plans or Platting projects.
Blue = Maricopa County Cases.
Public outreach meeting dates will be added to this handout in the future.
The group also received a copy of the August 27 press release regarding the Grand Avenue Access Management Plan open house which will be held on 9/9/08 at the Hampton Inn in Surprise.
APS Line Siting
APS currently has two substations, one in Buckeye and one in Peoria. They are looking for an area to put the next transition lines. APS wants to place a 500 volt kv and a 230 volt kv transition line through the Surprise planning area. Public hearings are currently taking place with the Corporation Commission.
Development Process
• General Plan Amendment (GPA).
• Annexation – to go into city. Goes before City Council four times.
• Rezoning or Planned Area Development (PAD).
• Platting or subdivision – includes the roads, sewer lines, parks, etc.
• Site Planning.
• Construction.
• County projects go to city for review only.
The beginning phases are more conceptual and as the project moves through the process, it becomes more detailed.
GENERAL NWG MEMBER COMMENTS:
There was discussion regarding Maricopa County’s stop in issuing building permits in the area. This action was taken after the Attorney General filed a lawsuit to force the county to comply with state law. This affects lands near Luke AUX 1 only. No specifics are available at this time. City staff has a meeting with county staff to discuss the issue.
The group also discussed their concerns regarding information from the Wittmann Flood Control Study. Some individuals are being told if they are in a flood plain they should get insurance now because they may not be able to get it later.
CIELO CROSSING PRESENTATION
This project was previously known as Wittmann Ranch. The project is located north of US60, west of the Sunhaven development, and south of the Grand Vista development. The county has purchased land, with a proposed use for a community college just south of the Cielo Crossing project.
The area will be medium to high density with a maximum number of 3,600 residential units at build out. Residential units will consist primarily of condos and apartments. The project is primarily commercial and development is unlikely to begin until after more homes are developed in the area. Best case scenario is three years after housing developments start building.
Public Hearing schedule
- City Council 9/11 Annexation blank petition
- P & Z Commission 9/16 Planned Area Development
- City Council 10/9 Annexation public hearing
- City Council 10/23 First reading
- City Council 11/13 Second reading
Consideration has been given to the surrounding areas; low-level lighting, architecture, and landscape. As the project progresses to the next stage of development, plans will be brought before this group.
The group found the information useful.
DECISIONS:
The group had a consensus the main concerns, in order of importance, are:
1. Maricopa County stopping permits in the Luke AUX 1 area.
2. Wittmann Flood Control.
3. APS Line Siting.
The group decided to invite the Transportation Commission to the next meeting.
NEXT MEETING:
October 13, 2008 from 7:00 – 9:00pm at the Saguaro Jane’s Community Center. A light dinner will be available for NWG members at 6:30pm.
