When it comes to queen creek may shut the door on annexing 2 areas, queen Creek is on the brink of closing the door on the potential annexation of two significant areas in Pinal County, totaling over 1,300 acres. This decision is poised to impact the communities located near the town's southeast corner, specifically parcels of 828 acres near Ocotillo and Ironwood/Gantzel roads, and 489 acres south of Combs Road along Gantzel. The Planning & Zoning Commission is set to host a second public hearing on May 13, with the Town Council expected to make a final decision on June 3.
Understanding Queen Creek May Shut The Door On Annexing 2 Areas
The areas under consideration for exclusion from Queen Creek's General Plan map have distinct characteristics. The 828-acre Ocotillo-Ironwood/Gantzel parcel features a diverse mix of land uses, including established mini-farms and upscale homes currently under construction. In contrast, the 489-acre Combs-Gantzel area is primarily a suburban residential tract, resembling many neighborhoods throughout the East Valley. Learn more on Investopedia.
Brett Burningham, the town's development services director, clarified during a February Town Council meeting that the General Plan serves to identify areas for potential annexation but does not dictate zoning ordinances. If these areas are removed from the General Plan, they will not be eligible for annexation in the future, according to Erik Swanson, planning administrator.
Diverse Community Characteristics
The Ocotillo-Ironwood/Gantzel area encompasses 1.4 square miles, hosting around 1,400 residents across 429 lots. This region is home to the 155 Country Mini-Farms HOA, where properties are zoned for single-family residential use by Pinal County, with a minimum lot size of 3.3 acres. The northern section features a pastoral setting, characterized by modest homes and grass pastures, where residents often keep a few animals. An animal sanctuary further enriches the community's rural appeal.
To the south lies Vinwood Estates, located north of the Queen Creek Wash. Across the wash, the Landmark/The Quarter development includes 250 lots, about one-third of which are already developed, according to Les Johnson, a principal planner for Queen Creek. Recent commercial developments, including a Target-anchored shopping center, are emerging in this area, reflecting the growing demand for services.
Community Perspectives and Fire Services
Despite the differing landscapes, residents from both areas share a common desire for enhanced emergency services. Currently, they rely on private subscription services provided by Rural-Metro for fire and medical coverage. Many residents are advocating for the inclusion of Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department services, which would offer a more reliable and comprehensive safety net.
During a neighborhood meeting held on March 26 and subsequent public hearings on April 8, community feedback was mixed. Some residents, like Kurt Castanada, expressed support for annexation, highlighting the benefits of town services, including fire and ambulance coverage. Others, however, remain skeptical about the potential impacts of becoming part of Queen Creek.
Future Implications of the Decision
The upcoming decisions by the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Town Council could have lasting implications for these communities. With the potential exclusion of these areas from the General Plan, residents may miss out on the advantages of becoming part of the rapidly growing Queen Creek town. This move could also signal a shift in how the town approaches future annexations as it grapples with managing growth while catering to the needs of existing residents.
The public hearings and Town Council meetings will serve as a platform for residents to voice their opinions and concerns, ultimately influencing the trajectory of these communities. As Queen Creek navigates this critical juncture, the outcome remains uncertain, but the voices of the residents will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping their future.
Originally reported by East Valley Tribune. View original.