The Board of Supervisors on Thursday gave final approval to zoning changes that will allow up to 2,500 residential units to be built on the remaining 251 acres of the historic Lompa Ranch.
The vote was unanimous after the board accepted the staff analysis that ruled the zoning amendments would be “in substantial compliance with the goals, policies and action programs of the master plan.” The staff report also declared the ruling would not adversely impact other nearby properties or the public health, safety and welfare.
The vote changes the zoning of the property north of east 5th Street between Saliman Road and Airport Road from agricultural and single-family one acre to include single family 6,000 sq. feet, multi family duplex and apartment, neighborhood business and general commercial.
The only objection to the change came from businesswoman Maxine Nietz who argued a commercial development there would “dilute” the redevelopment efforts downtown.
The preliminary design for the project includes a 10-acre park on the west side and another three-acre park to the east.
The project includes requiring a $1,000 fee for each residential unit and each 1,000 square feet of commercial development to be used for a variety of purposes ranging from drainage, sewer, water and street projects as well as, potentially, a fire station to serve the area.
The board also approved a deal under which the city landfill will get up to 200,000 cubic yards of dirt from the freeway bypass project to use as “cover material” for the landfill. Environmental rules require landfill material to be covered over with a layer of dirt. Utility manager David Bruketta told the board Road and Highway Builders, the company constructing the southern leg of the bypass, needs to get rid of the dirt and his landfill needs the material. He said the city is getting the dirt for $2 a cubic yard — less than half what it costs from other sources.
The board directed Grants Administrator Janice Keillor to apply for a $40,000 grant from the state Attorney General’s office under the Violence Against Women Act grant program. She said the money will pay for training and strategies to strengthen the victim services, prosecution, law enforcement to combat domestic violence, dating violence and sexual assault.
Finally, the board approved a liquor license for the Black Bear Diner franchise planned to open in the Max Casino May 9 and the application to move the Bamboo Garden Restaurant and its liquor license form its current south Carson Street location to Cochise Street near the movie theaters.
