Copper Sky Hospital Deal Secures Approval on Third Attempt

Maricopa’s City Council has officially approved the sale of nearly 9.5 acres of land to BR Copper Sky, a California-based developer, for a future hospital campus at Copper Sky, with a final agreement set at approximately $3.2 million.

This decision, arrived at after two prior postponements, signifies progress for BR Healthcare President A.J. Thomas, who expressed enthusiasm about the development, stating it will address notable healthcare gaps in the community.

“This is going to be a huge benefit for the community,” he said. “We are excited to bring this amenity to the residents of Maricopa.”

Mayor Nancy Smith highlighted the challenging four-year negotiation process, which experienced setbacks from two previous agreements that fell through, calling it “a very interesting experience.”

She expressed optimism about the future development, urging the developer for a project that meets the community’s needs.

Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr, who initially opposed the land sale, addressed her critics, reaffirming her commitment to careful decision-making. “As the city grows, we must be diligent in ensuring our decisions benefit our community,” she stated.

The discussion surrounding the land sale, contentious since January, saw the proposal shifted from a consent agenda to a regular agenda due to concerns regarding the developer’s commitment to promised features.

Previous contract discussions revealed significant revisions, including the removal of major planned amenities such as a hotel and luxury condominiums. These changes raised worries among council members about the integrity and future of the project.

Last night’s proceedings, however, were markedly streamlined, characterized by a concise discussion without the usual lengthy executive sessions. The contract’s stipulations were clearly laid out.

Maricopa’s Chief Strategy Officer Joshua Bowman noted several requirements in the approved contract: it will be an acute care hospital with a minimum of 24 inpatient beds, four of which will be designated for ICU care, along with essential surgical and emergency services.

Jesse Slim, the senior development manager for BR Copper Sky, indicated these requirements represent baseline commitments for the facility. “Everything that was up there is the minimum that we want to have contractually in the hospital,” he emphasized.

The final sale price of $3,133,691 translates to about $326,767 per acre, which contrasts significantly with a neighboring land sale intended for a trampoline park that commanded a higher price.

City Manager Ben Bitter highlighted the importance of the developer’s commitment, framing it as an investment in the community. “We certainly want to acknowledge that there is investment that doesn’t come directly to the city but is an investment into our community,” he stated.

Looking forward, Slim confirmed that the next steps involve closing the sale and submitting detailed plans to the city’s planning department. The contract mandates that construction of the hospital must commence within 36 months of the approval of the planned area development.