Liolico, Arizona (KGUN) — Santa Cruz County Planning and Zoning Commission It aims to reclassify more than 3,500 acres of land in Rio Rico for mixed-use development.
Local opposition has raised concerns that the move could have a negative impact on the town.
The community of Rio Rico is described by residents as quiet, quaint, and rural. They are not against the zoning plan, but they stress the need for more transparency and opportunities to seek input in decisions that affect their beloved hometowns.
The reclassification of large tracts of land along Interstate 19 in Rio Rico received approval from the Santa Cruz Supervisory Board in December 2022. However, the plan faced significant opposition from residents in the quiet retirement community.
“I’ve been living here for about two years,” said Bas Pirul, who moved to the area two years ago for its natural beauty.
The proposed plan emphasizes the creation of a significant regional economic center with potential opportunities in education, housing and business.
However, the prospect of attracting mining sites became a major point of contention for many residents.
“Our big concern was part of the language around mining the area, which is largely rural and a fairly fragile ecosystem with the Santa Cruz River and flora and fauna unique to the region,” Pirul said. said Mr.
Hundreds of distraught residents gathered on Tuesday for the first public meeting, even though the plan had been approved more than six months ago. Thursday was no different.
The project’s landlord, Andrew Jackson, acknowledged residents’ concerns and made some modifications, including removing the planned mining site, ahead of a public meeting on Thursday.
“These are the people whose concerns we have addressed,” Jackson said. “We were in Tubak until 7:30 last night, working on revising the proposal.”
During the public meeting, which lasted about four hours, both sides of the issue expressed their views.
While many support economic development, some believe the current proposal lacks clarity, while others are concerned about the potential environmental costs of the plan.
“That means there is always growth,” said Jan Espe of the Tubac Nature Center. “Things have changed since we lived here.
The meeting ended with the adoption of the amendments. There were 23 of them in all.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval to the Supervisory Board. This request will be submitted to the Oversight Board meeting on July 11th at 9:30 am for final approval.
