UPDATE – July 18, 2023:
Text of a July 17, 2023 letter to the public from Frank Dillon of Santa Cruz County Community Development:
Dear Citizens of Santa Cruz County,
I am writing to inform you about an important update regarding the Baca Float #3 Major Comprehensive Plan Item that was scheduled to be discussed on the August 1st, 2023 Board of Supervisors Agenda. Due to a publishing error in the Nogales International, which was beyond the control of Santa Cruz County, we must announce a rescheduling of this agenda item.
To ensure full transparency and compliance with the legal notice requirements outlined in the Arizona Revised Statutes, we have made the decision to move the discussion of the Baca Float #3 Major Comprehensive Plan Item to the August 15th, 2023 Board of Supervisors Agenda. We deeply regret any inconveniences caused by this unforeseen circumstance and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.
Santa Cruz County values open and transparent governance, and it is of utmost importance to us that all citizens have ample time and opportunity to review and provide input on matters that directly affect our community. By adhering to the prescribed legal notice requirements, we can guarantee that your voices are heard and that your valuable insights shape the decisions that shape our county’s future.
We understand the significance of the Baca Float #3 Major Comprehensive Plan Item and its potential impact on the development of our community. We assure you that Santa Cruz County remains fully committed to engaging with the public and providing the necessary information for an informed and inclusive decision-making process. We encourage you to actively participate in the forthcoming public discussions on August 15th, 2023, and share your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions with us.
In the meantime, we will take immediate steps to rectify the publishing error and ensure that future notices and agendas are accurately disseminated to avoid any similar issues in the future. Your trust and confidence in Santa Cruz County’s commitment to transparent governance are of the utmost importance to us, and we are dedicated to upholding these principles.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by this rescheduling and look forward to your continued engagement as we collectively strive to create a prosperous and vibrant Santa Cruz County.
Frank Dillon
Santa Cruz County Community Development
[Original July 12 article text:]
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors rescheduled a public hearing set for August 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. to discuss and consider the proposed reclassification of over 3,550 acres along the 1-19 Corridor in the Rio Rico area. The original county-led public hearing set for July 11 was cancelled after concerns were raised by alarmed community members.
The original proposal, submitted by resident and landowner Andrew Jackson of Rio Rico, would rezone approximately 3,550 acres along the Interstate 19 Corridor on property that Jackson owns that stretches from Ruby Rd. to Tumacacori, including a segment of the railroad track, the Santa Cruz River and the Anza Trail.
The June 22 Public Meeting
Approximately 200 community members attended the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on June 22, concerning the land reclassification. The meeting lasted over four hours as most attendees expressed concerns about the lack of transparency, rushed timing and exactly what this would mean for the rural community. A few spoke in favor of the proposal, citing that the plan would allow for more job opportunities, in particular for local young people looking to stay in the community. Many residents expressed suspicions that Jackson was developing the land to accommodate the Australian mining company South32, current owners and developers of The Hermosa Mine Project located in the Patagonia Mountains. Several references were made to “mining operations” listed in the original proposal, but that were later deleted by Jackson. In a recent interview with the PRT, Pat Risner, President of the Hermosa Project, denied that the mining company had been involved in the development of the project.
Decisions Made and Tabled During the June 22 Meeting
At the conclusion of the meeting, the County’s Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously voted to reclassify Jackson’s property, allowing for an area of Rio Rico to be developed for industrial, commercial, multi-family, high-density residential, office, educational campuses and more. The Commissioners tabled Jackson’s request to rezone the area.
The public is encouraged to submit questions and comments before July 31, at 5:00 p.m., with an email sent to clerkoftheboard@santacruzcountyaz.gov. Community members will also be allowed to make comments in person or if attending the meeting via Zoom.
For more information about the meeting, attending, or agenda items, please call 520-375-7930. Click here for a copy of the Public Notice shown below with live links to the Zoom meeting invitation. Click here to read a copy of the complete original proposal.
