By Mark Cowling | Pinal Central
FLORENCE — A proposal to develop a high-density one-story gated community of rental homes south of Walmart in San Tan Valley failed at the Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday before a large group of neighbors dressed in black.
Massive opposition, which included some 1,000 letters of protest, triggered a requirement for a “super-majority” of four board members for approval. Three of the five supervisors supported the project, which wasn’t enough to pass either the rezoning or the planned area development (PAD) overlay zone.
Each time, Chairman Jeffrey McClure, R-Eagle Crest Ranch, and Kevin Cavanaugh, R-Coolidge, voted no. The project’s comprehensive plan amendment, which didn’t require a super-majority, was approved.
“There’s a need for this project, this type of project, in this area,” Supervisor Mike Goodman, R-San Tan Valley, said. Supervisor Steve Miller, R-Casa Grande, said it’s what the county’s San Tan Area Plan says to do.
“Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of individuals request more rentals in the area, although … it’s going to be difficult for young folks to get into this unless they’ve got great jobs,” Miller said. He said Hunt Highway traffic will continue to increase, whether or not Hancock’s project is built.
Hancock Homes proposed to build 228 rental homes on 28.8 acres between Solera at Johnson Ranch and Walmart. The units included different floor plan options of 1- and 3-bedroom units with elevations for both attached and detached homes, according to a county staff report.
