Hidden Valley Residents Remain Defiant as ‘Emergency’ Cools on Controversial Large Development

Residents from Hidden Valley and Thunderbird Farms convened at the Thunderbird Fire Station on March 9, 2025, to vocalize their opposition to the proposed Rio Blanco Ranch development located at the intersection of Amarillo Valley and Val Vista Roads.

More than a year has passed since residents first raised concerns about the neighborhood’s impending transformation, and their sentiments remain steadfast. A few dozen attendees gathered for an emergency meeting focused on a recently rescheduled session of the Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission regarding the development.

Residents were informed that the crucial meeting had been postponed from April 17 to May 15 due to improperly posted signs and reports of notifications not reaching some households. This would hinder community members from submitting their letters of opposition by the April 10 deadline or adequately reviewing the 2,364-page proposal provided by CVL Consultants, the developer.

Among the critics is Laurie Fuller, a resident of Thunderbird Farms. “For me, it’s about the neighbors. These are our dream properties,” she stated. “I am retired and spent my whole life working and saving money for this. The idea of 1,500 houses directly west of me makes me sick.”

The proposed development threatens the existing desert landscape and raises concerns over potential mismanagement of water resources and increased traffic flow. The plan envisions 2,089 homes occupying approximately 597 acres at an average density of about 3.5 homes per acre, a stark contrast to current residential patterns where most homes sit on two or more acres.

Residents are particularly alarmed by the developer’s request to rezone the lands for R-7 Single Residence designation, which could allow for up to seven homes per acre if approved.

Rio Blanco Ranch is not an isolated project; other developments, including Amarillo Creek, Venida, and Palomino Ranch, are already in progress, while Sunset Canyon has received approval. In total, around 22,500 additional homes may be added to Hidden Valley and Thunderbird Farms, fundamentally altering the lifestyle of current residents.

“Those of us that pay taxes out there should be recognized as loving and caring residents of the land,” Fuller emphasized. “The board of supervisors often cites ‘property owners’ rights’ when making decisions, but what about us? What happens to our neighbors?”