Unveiling Key Insights: The Revamped Bahama Avenue Resort Proposal

Plans for a resort on Bahama Avenue in Lake Havasu City faced scrutiny last month, prompting developer Studio KDA to pause their proposal. In response to public feedback, revised plans are set for review next week.

Cole Cannon, representing Cannon Development, stated in an interview that the team actively engaged with residents to adjust their plans. The objective is to reduce the project’s density and height in alignment with community input.

Cannon emphasized the potential of the resort as a high-end surf destination, which he believes would enhance both local tourism and community satisfaction.

The site, an approximately 14-acre plot located at 1850 Bahama Ave, borders commercial properties and residential areas. Here’s what to know about the updated proposal:

1. Reduced Size and Scale

The original design called for six five-story buildings containing 221 units, alongside large restaurants and multiple pools. The revised plan now proposes five four-story buildings with 172 residential units, a two-story commercial building, a surf pool, and a lagoon. This new configuration equates to 12 units per acre, a notable decrease from the maximum 280 units allowed under current zoning.

Included in the proposal are plans for 681 parking spaces, with 315 designated for boat and RV access.

2. Initial Rejections by the Commission

The Lake Havasu City Planning and Zoning Commission previously voted against the initial proposal, with a 4-3 denial of the general plan amendment and a unanimous 7-0 denial regarding the planned development. Concerns centered on issues such as building height, traffic, and environmental impacts.

The developer intends to present the updated proposal to the City Council, retaining requests to modify the future land use map and to alter designations for zoning to facilitate the project.

3. Compliance with Development Code

According to city regulations, several findings must be met for a Planned Development to be approved. One stipulation focuses on the management of open spaces, ensuring they benefit residents while protecting adjacent residential zones. Another finding requires the project to provide benefits that surpass what the current zoning would allow.

The city staff expressed optimism about the economic and housing benefits the resort could bring to Lake Havasu. Although traffic studies indicate no immediate changes are necessary, there may be future provisions for traffic control measures.

The Lake Havasu City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposal during their next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, with the public invited to attend at 5:30 p.m. at 92 Acoma Blvd.