A decision on whether or not a proposed housing development receives the green light to move ahead will now have to wait a little longer.
Late last week, Eric Borowsky and his daughter, Lisa Borowsky, requested a 60-day continuance before appearing before the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors regarding their zone change request for the proposed Spring Creek Ranch. They were scheduled to appear before the supervisors on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
“Our immediate plan has been to carefully review each of the Planning Commissioner’s comments and/or concerns and use those as a guide for improving our proposal,” Lisa Borowsky said. “Since the Planning Commission meeting we have connected with a number of Verde Valley residents and professionals who are very supportive of what we are trying to accomplish, and they have offered some very good input as well, which we are excited about.”
She went on to add, “Overall, we feel we have a real opportunity to implement some positive ideas and modifications that will be beneficial to the community we are trying to create as well as the community which surrounds us.”
The Yavapai County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-4 on Dec. 19 to recommend denial to the supervisors regarding the zone change. Those commissioners voting in favor of a denial were Curtis Linder, Sandra Griffis, Robert Cothern, Michael Ellegood and Bruce George. Those in favor of the zone change were Jim Stewart, James Peterson, Dale Famas and Kevin Osterman. Commissioner Mark Mumaw was absent.
More than 125 people turned out to the county complex in Cottonwood to hear the proposal being brought forward by the Borowskys. All but four of the dozens who spoke did so in opposition of the project. This falls in line with the number of letters and emails the county received — 245 opposed and 15 in favor.
Those commissioners who recommended denial said they saw the need for additional workforce housing but were concerned about density and the rental or purchase affordability aspect of the project.
The Borowskys are seeking to change the zoning of their 246 acres from Residential Rural to Planned Development. Joining them in this endeavor are members of the Ryerson family, who have owned 3 acres of adjoining land since the early 1960s.
“I empathize with all the folks here today,” Osterman said. “I understand a lot of your concerns. After listening carefully, I believe, without question, this applicant has planned and presented a pretty thoughtful, carefully-planned design.
“Of course, they will need to defend it with the Board of Supervisors. Is it affordable? All things considered, it may not be the most affordable by any means, but it would be for many, especially if there are two incomes in the household. One thing I have not heard from those who oppose this development is any other concrete, workable solution for workforce housing.”
Griffis saw it a bit differently.
“I get what you are trying to do, Mr. Borowsky, and I get the opposition,” she said. “We do need some sort of housing that engages that annual payroll of $35,000 like nurses, teachers and firefighters. They’re leaving because they can’t find affordable housing. But I’m extremely concerned about the density and even more concerned about the opposition. I feel there should be more community engagement to solve some of these issues. I’m a firm believer in the power of working together.”
Eric Borowsky purchased his land 15 years ago and said over those years he has tried to find the right project for the area.
The maximum number of pads on the land they’re seeking is 1,900 manufactured home sites and 400 RV sites, down from 600. In addition, they hope to have 400 apartments — with no buildings over 30 feet high, which is the Yavapai County standard — and a 200-unit assisted living facility. Some of the manufactured homes may also be used as long-term rentals. The land is currently zoned for two-acre, residential lots.
As presented to the commission, the site would also offer a recreational facility, a general store, restaurant, park area with walking path on 60 acres of open space as well as a Verde Valley Fire District fire station and possible Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office substation.
