By Roland Murphy for AZBEX
Plans for a 42-acre mixed-use development in rural Yuma County are encountering nearly universal resistance, most recently in the form of a recommendation for denial of a land-use designation change request from County Planning staff.
The Norman Bruce Jacobson & Drucilla C. Trust 2-21-2012 owns 146 acres of rural-zoned land covering all four corners of Highway 95 and Martinez Lake Road in Yuma. The request would change the land-use designation for 42.37 acres to Retirement Community/Planned Unit Development and the remaining 103.64 acres portion to Agriculture/Rural Preservation. A major amendment is required since the site is larger than eight acres.
The County staff report says the owner’s ultimate intent is to rezone the 42-acre portion for a mixed-use development that would include a car service station, self-storage, boat storage and residential uses.
Staff recommended against the land-use amendment, saying the proposal does not advance the goals of the County Comprehensive Plan, would “affect or endanger the public’s health, safety and welfare,” and is not consistent with surrounding land uses.
A key reason for the recommendations of denial comes in the first paragraph covering site conditions in the staff report: “The subject property is currently open desert with Highway 95 and Martinez Lake Road bisecting the subject property. The subject property is within the following military operations for (Yuma Proving Ground): An active firing zone, tank crossing trail, military airspace and emergency landing, and air traffic route.”
The analysis reads: “The proposed change is not compatible with adjoining land uses and zoning. The area surrounding the subject property is within Yuma Proving Ground’s military boundary and under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
“The proposed R-RC/PUD land use designation is not in character with the existing land uses and will be in conflict with military operations taking place in the area of the subject property. Approval of this request could be detrimental to military operations of YPG. The proposed development could affect or endanger the public’s health, safety, and welfare due to ongoing military operations in the vicinity of the subject property.”
Staff also determined the request could negatively impact environmental concerns in the area, as it could possibly include habitat for the western burrowing owl, a protected species.
Other reasons for the denial recommendation include a lack of sewer, water and electrical services in the area; the need for the developer to improve both Highway 95 and Martinez Lake Road to accommodate higher traffic flows; the distances of the nearest Sheriff’s Department substation (11 miles) and fire station (10.5 miles), and the potential need for flood zone use and grading permits if the development proceeds.
In addition to County staff, statements of opposition or concern were provided by Yuma Proving Ground, the Arizona Department of Transportation, area electrical service provider the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, and the Audubon Society.
It is not yet known if the owners intend to continue pursuing the land-use amendment. The Planning and Zoning Commission granted a continuance at the Oct. 22meeting, which gives the owners the option to bring the project forward again in 2025. The project also got a continuance in October 2023, which allowed for reconsideration this year.
