Housing Land Rezoned for Business? This is No Fantasy!

The Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission is set to finalize its recommendation on December 23 to rezone a significant portion of residential land for the city’s Industrial Triangle project. This move marks a shift in response to ongoing concerns about the city’s heavy reliance on housing development.

The Major General Plan Amendment proposes the rezoning of 716½ acres from medium-density housing to employment zones. The amendment is scheduled for consideration by the Maricopa City Council during its meeting on January 21.

Rick Williams, the planning and zoning manager, highlighted that this adjustment will pave the way for diverse office, industrial, and commercial developments. Williams stated, “This request improves the balance between housing and employment within the city limits, promoting new industrial park developments and multiple employment opportunities.”

A city report reveals that approximately 84% of Maricopa’s workforce currently commutes outside of the city. The proposed amendment aims to alleviate congestion on the routes leading out of town.

Furthermore, the rezoning initiative targets the attraction of regional and national companies. The zoning commission will conduct its final public hearing on the matter on Monday after previously holding one on December 9.

Earlier this month, the city council granted City Manager Ben Bitter the authority to pursue grant funding for the construction of a $1.4 billion “SMARTRail” park. This project is spearheaded by Amsterdam-based Redevco Solutions and will be situated along the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.

The city has already committed to providing 680 acres of land to Redevco and Rail Industries Partners, following voter approval of Proposition 482. This proposition allowed the city to sell 728 acres of its property, much of which falls within the proposed rezoning area.

While the potential for the rezoning to be denied exists, no apparent opposition has been expressed by commissioners or council members since the project’s announcement in July.

The proposed business park will encompass 6 million square feet, offering rail access and an anticipated creation of 36,000 jobs. The city envisions that such growth could contribute to reaching a population of 1 million at full buildout.

During a special council meeting last month, approximately 116 acres of Industrial Triangle land were sold to Redevco Solutions for around $12 million. Additionally, the council authorized the $17 million acquisition of 194 acres from the Smith estate, integrating this land into the Industrial Triangle’s master plan.

In July, city officials revealed that two major firms, Envision Water Services and Prescott Composites, showed interest in developing facilities within the Industrial Triangle. Envision aims to invest $64 million in a mixed-waste processing plant, while Prescott proposes a $1.8 million facility focused on waste-to-energy and battery materials.

The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will commence at 6 p.m. on Monday at the council chambers located at 39700 W. Civic Center Plaza in the City Center.