WILLIAMS, Arizona — The Williams City Council held its regular meeting on March 9th. In the public participation portion, several residents expressed support for a rumored autocamp partnership with Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
Representatives of Canyon Coaster Adventure Park previously contacted the city to discuss a potential partnership with AutoCamp, according to Williams Mayor Don Dent.
Dent said Bruce Voight, owner of Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, is considering proposals from AutoCamp to create a “glamping” resort on the grounds adjacent to the park. The resort hosts 80-100 Airstream his trailers and other equipment.
Dent said the project was only discussed informally, but he and mayor Tim Petit were not in favor of the project.
“We’ve talked about it and expressed negative opinions about this project and community place,” Dent said. I stand by what I said, but there are many reasons behind it. “
California-based luxury camping business Autocamp has proposed a ‘glamping’ development for Cooper Ranch in Williams in 2021. This pioneering lodging company hosts travelers in luxury aluminum Airstream travel trailers, luxury tents and cabins, turning historic ranch properties into commercial “glamping” locations.
The proposal was scheduled to be submitted to the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission in May 2022. However, the applicant was still in discussions with the U.S. Forest Service regarding concerns about access, fire risk, and other impacts. Proposed for county land, the project was never voted on by the Williams City Council.
As of now, the Cooper Ranch Autocamp rezoning decision remains on hold.
The company withdrew its application for a property in Sedona near Bear Mountain in early 2021. After a coalition of tribal leaders and local residents opposed the development of a similar luxury camp, citing its rural location, high risk of wildfires, and impact on sacred sites.
If AutoCamp goes ahead with their newly proposed project at Williams, they will have to present their plans to the city and submit an application for a special use permit. They should go before the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission. In addition, the council will need to approve the zoning of the area for glamping projects to proceed, Dent said.
Community members Jan Purdy and Monty Hudson voiced their support for the project at the March 9 city council meeting, stating that the Autocamp site would fit in with Route 66’s nostalgic feel while generating significant tax revenue and job opportunities for the city. said it would produce
“Airstream trailers and Route 66 bring nostalgia to a lot of people who love traveling this route,” Purdy said. “A lot of people are in favor of it, but the council seems to be against it. I don’t know why… I think it’s a good deal for Williams.”
Purdy now owns land that Autocamp wants to buy for the project. Purdy also sold the land that now belongs to Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
“Personally, I think it’s a good thing,” Hudson said. “I want to see something like this in this town!”
Despite positive feedback from residents, Dent voiced his disapproval of the project and declined to support it on behalf of the city council.
“It’s any of these companies trying to get in here, not just autocamps. They’re not right for the community,” Dent said. not.”
Dent’s reasons for opposing the Autocamp project reflect concerns that prevented the Cooper Ranch proposal from gaining much attention.
Among the reasons Dent cited was limited access to the site, with only one road leading in and out, which could pose serious problems in the event of an emergency such as a fire. was mentioned. The Williams Fire Department has already expressed concern over the issue, emphasizing the need for wide roads to allow fire trucks unhindered access to the area.Also, with 120 people staying on site, emergency evacuation can be a problem
Voight believes the resort will help draw tourists to Williams during the winter months, according to Dent. And when it comes to summer tourism, Dent feels that community resources are already limited.
“During the summer, we’re at our limits. Communities are at their limits with water, sewerage and everything else,” says Dent. “And he doesn’t need 120 cars and he needs 120 people.”
As of now, the project is in its early stages and has not made much progress yet.
In other council news:
A representative of the Air Methods helicopter ambulance service spoke to the board. Air Methods helicopters are properly equipped and manned for medical services. The company makes over 100,000 shipments annually.
The company plans to open a base in the Williams area on March 29, but first seeks council approval to build a landing zone. The company is looking to work with the Williams Fire Department.
The Council will hold its next regular meeting on March 23rd.
