(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Sun Communities.)
By Mark Cowling | Pinal Central
FLORENCE — Neighbors say a community of 541 manufactured homes doesn’t belong in an area surrounded on three sides by large rural lots and horse ranches south of the city of Maricopa. Pinal County staff recommended it be rejected and the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously for denial.
But after listening to both sides at its Aug. 2 meeting, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors voted to delay the public hearing and rezoning to Aug. 16. Supervisor Jeffrey McClure, R-Eagle Crest Ranch, voted against that.
McClure earlier said that he had read many of the almost 200 letters of protest. One that stood out said Pinal’s Strategic Plan encourages preservation of rural land uses and character, “and I think that’s what this is really about.”
Sun Communities is asking to rezone almost 160 acres west of State Route 347 and north of West Val Vista Road from General Rural to MHP-435 (Manufactured Home Park) for its Palos Verde development. Residents would buy the home and rent the lot.
The amount of protest against Palos Verde means the board would need to approve it by a super-majority of at least four “yes” votes.
