The Cottonwood City Council held a first hearing on the request for a zone change and general plan amendment for the proposed Silverado Lofts development at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously denied the application for a general plan amendment by a 3-3 vote — a tie is a denial — and the application for a zone change by a 4-2 vote, on Nov. 28.
Gary Davis, the city’s senior planner, explained that the project will include 152 multi-family units in 38 two-story townhome-style buildings on 11.6 acres, located west of Walmart and south across a wash from the Mingus Union High School football field.
A number of residents spoke at the meeting to express their concerns with the development, including flooding and the proximity to the existing neighborhood adjacent to the lot. Some took issue with the height of the complex, saying they wanted a view of the red rocks and a dark sky above them. Others mentioned fears that people in the adjoining buildings would be able to look into their windows. Numerous residents made it clear that they felt the issue of flooding needed to be addressed before the proposed project worsens it.
Charity Lee, of Miramonte Homes, the applicant, stated that the company intends to use this development to address the current housing crisis and provide a link between existing commercial and single-family residential zones. To address concerns over flooding, Miramonte has added another retention pond to exceed the capacity required by the building code, which will detain over 21% of additional runoff. This water will be released into the Cherry Hills wash, not the Rio Mesa wash. Perimeter landscaping will also be a priority and will be completed during the first phase of the development.
Chris Kemmerly, of Miramonte Homes, stated that his company has been doing everything it can to placate the neighbors, including using 10,000 truck loads of material to lower the grade of the area, which Kemmerly explained is no small gesture.
Silverado Comments
Mike Mongini argued that the development should be approved as submitted, noting that he grew up moving boulders from the UVX area when it flooded and that it has always flooded.
Kelly Moffitt described the runoff as pressure washing the pavement and putting pollutants right into the Verde River.
Clare Rasmussin, who lives in a perimeter residence, expressed his concern that “we will not see a sunrise ever again.”
Other speakers touched on the lack of housing for their employees. Cottonwood attorney Mark Hansen stated that his new law clerk needed to bring in a travel trailer just to have somewhere to stay.
Eric Jurisin, co-owner of the Haunted Group, which owns seven restaurants and a hotel, supported the development, stating that the region is in a workforce crisis due to lack of employee housing. He posed the question of when it became more expensive to business in Cottonwood than Scottsdale.
Tricia Razo, of Foothills Property Management, stated that they have over 350 properties but those are not enough.
Jesse Johnson claimed that the issue with the development is that it is neither affordable nor workforce housing, and that it is incorrect to think it will solve the housing crisis.
Action on the Silverado application will be taken at the council’s next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Public Comments
About 150 people attended the council meeting and around two dozen spoke. The evening’s public forum opened with a woman who claimed to be wearing a tinfoil-lined sweatsuit to protect her from radiation. She claimed that she was being burned alive and urged the council to research what she asserted were the harmful effects of 5G cellular service.
Many residents believed that a discussion or vote would occur regarding a drag show hosted by Miss Nature LLC’s Arizona Pride Tour 2023 on April 8 at the Cottonwood Community Clubhouse, though Mayor Tim Elinski told the crowd before comments began no vote was agendized. However, the building is a government building and as such the city cannot discriminate in renting it out based on the content or on who wants to host an event there.
Several dozen residents spoke on their opposition to the show. While the show is open to all ages, opponents claimed it is purposefully catering to children, calling it vulgar, pornographic, pedophilic and inviting the wrath of God.
Event organizer Christopher Hall, of Tucson, countered those claims, stating that no children would be allowed in unless accompanied by a parent, that the event would be family-friendly and that his performers sign an agreement that their performances are family-friendly.
Resident and teacher Becky Keck remarked that there are certain things that she does not want to watch and things she does not want to watch with her children, so if she was opposed to something, she would stay home and watch “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Councilwoman Lisa DuVernay had urged residents to attend the meeting via her social media account on Jan. 30, but DuVernay also acknowledged that “it’s being held in a city-owned building. I have been told we cannot discriminate on who we rent to.”
Council did not comment or respond to any of the speakers, as the item was not agendized for debate.
