Development Moves Closer to Annexation

By ERNESTO PORTILLO JR

The Sahuarita Planning and Zoning Commission last week approved eight amendments to the general plan, which could lead to the annexation of 25 square miles and a 15,000-home development.

The commission is recommending the Town Council adopt the amendments.

Two of the amendments were initiated by the town and one is from a Nevada-based developer.

Sahuarita wants to incorporate 12,500 acres owned by the state, the city of Tucson and private landowners east of the town limits and south of Tucson’s city limits. It also is seeking to add 900 acres of state trust land north of East Quail Crossing Boulevard and southwest of East Santa Rita Road.

American Nevada Co. seeks to have the town annex seven square miles between West Helmet Peak and West Twin Buttes roads west of the town’s boundaries. It is proposing to build Mission Peaks, a master-planned community west of Interstate 19.

The company also submitted a plan amendment to the county.

The Town Council is tentatively scheduled to discuss the amendments at its Oct. 13 meeting, said Planning Director John Neunuebel.

The amendments would change the current land-use designation. State law requires proposed major amendments be evaluated for impacts on water, environment, recreation and open space, public facilities and service, land use and transportation.

* Contact reporter Ernesto Portillo Jr. at 807-8414 or eportillo@azstarnet.com.

Originally published by ERNESTO PORTILLO JR., ARIZONA DAILY STAR.

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