DMP2013005 Z2013093 OPPOSITION BOS 1-29-14.PDF

Plant') ng & Develop ent
Department
DATE: January 29, 2014
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Darren V. Gerard, AICP, Deputy Director Planning and Development
SUBJECT: DMP2013005 - Vista Verde Development Master Flan -Agenda item 5
Z2013093 - Vista Verde Zone Change -Agenda item 6
Since the December 12, 2013 Planning and Zoning Commission hearing, staff
has received additional letters and correspondence from area residents and
the Rio Verde Horsemen's Association with concerns and opposition to the Vista
Verde Development Master Plan amendment - DMP2013005 and the Vista
Verde Zone Change request - Z2013093.
The Planning and Zoning Commission staff report included a total 6 letters in
support with 6 in opposition. Staff has received an additional 8 letters in
opposition which places the total count as follows for both the DMP and Zone
Change applications: 6 letters in support, 14 in opposition. Listed below is an
itemized list of concerns raised.
Rio Verde Horsemen's Association - Issues & Concerns
• Availability of water supply due to limited aquifer.
• Transportation with Rio Verde Dr. as Rural two lane highway, roadway is ill
equipped to handle traffic loads.
• Request the Board of Supervisors table the cases for 60 days to allow the
developer to provide the community with answers to concerns.
Area Residents - Issues & Concerns
• Concerned with increased density in regards to impacts to the existing
infrastructure and goes against the established Rural lifestyle.
• The need for additional water supply and how the densities would impact
the existing aquifer and the impact to surrounding ranchers.
• Increase in traffic on Rio Verde Dr. in conjunction with dust and roadway
debris.
• Recommendation that the original DMP be adhered to due to the
impacts with existing infrastructure, lack of water, additional traffic on Rio
Verde Dr.
• Request for the cases to be continued to allow public meetings with
developer.
501 N. 44`h Street, Suite 200 • Phoenix, AZ 35008 • (602) 372-0318 • (602) 506-3711 fax
www.maricopa.gov/planning

January 2, 2014
..1.;111:Tg LL,ELL -13:ilk..at:ion, Rio Verde
3.F...Yeiopment DMPL
'zone Change -
Over the ...our .se of the .h.olid•:•Deffiod the Boa Di] ,:cu-.).rs of the Rio Verde Horsemen's Association
(MTH .Abich represents ci'ver 450 residents ofthe itt. Verde corridor, v.:vas made. aware that the new
owne...s he. oposed Vista ; • le Jeve14....pule Rio Verie Dirlvv. were trio ing rapidly for cvr
with C.: ,..)uniy ap:brovals for a ' density J cip[ ;€€..i€. community enatag.e.ruent, While
are mit -.%p posed to development in the Rio Ve.s.r.die1 ea do. s ,tmete sit:rions
about the ,-..ronosed densilty ch..anacS and the. an F.;i1N..L.C..), COnSeCil I impact on the quality of lift.,
and potentially, the pie ...lies of existing residents.
As you. are aware, several years ago' the orimnai.aity invested s L.-it time, effort arid, funds t
with n staff and til•i:ift a muttii€1I JOILILLL0f-Lree0r.:- respected tk:
lyyti.1 parties. This: plan• ccLIE fict!:1S inrutation, considered eriticl to the
not only to L nal:tr2 corm :mini -Jat. also to OBSUrC L, SOine
.boticiels, • nten.ance of a ci:u L1L'Lii he fk.yr i'LLLL
The Verde community is a rural conat7:unit1: dii LL:LL t limitations
geogaip
2kva.i lab 11cr viO is :€xl from a •rI.• l.im .ited and fifrf• -itrrourid aqui Many
home the cost of drill-u 'hrl.-L.Tt-i or shared supply water over the
deo:: over 1000 tea. discover that thelr viireris have
oductEve or •L'. . The pc..- 7 of drought. if southwest, jp.h.:Es added
demand. ha.,•€: in many homeoiik,iners now ben €g trucked-in w•mtai• purchased
from Scot: set: transported. at some significant. cost. th it./ party L• -iers, We cannot possibly
help but lte very concerned 0n.ii the €.€ildilion of 850 hind residentiiti! L ustiat::- al leas: 100
galtd.ay, ?J.-bald not add to au. already s•tri-. . 1.s .vstern, 1 locs not
rem iii di dliii. additic. irrci tiniw C017 C2:In SLE.LL1e..-
C GLCal.V11.1.1.11CD.. L.
1 -.0nle0WilerS 10C, i .- •c• U.p. tisdale Eiyinaf.i•
CleniL " cu.. ciii Verde ; low point rea threatens t
thc • .; ties alread::: held by priNt . ••••'
'Dui] cii noted that resale: properties are very ditti-ollt are talon
vend lend against .... home.
28150 N. Alma School ,.. 4103-112 Scottsdale, AZ 85262

2/ Ric Drive. is .. .he auk - anspficitttion -corridor avail lf to the community. It i...s lane
bile nTith multipis bite ctine streets so u.seci - 11.1;.e and focti
.r.-rld C.-16r i I ICr. The road is to of ci loath; being proposed...
proposing a wideninr:; plus ate auuo sci dfiCli.:1111•Q •i.' ,
does not support ' . 01 . .ime burden, .,. ii all trafficwlcorc.ut ad
west. to '::;cotisd.i.i'it •- than south to ills. Keep in rnind -
problernf;ric.. drin - -;:rn activity and • is. closed for accidents, and ouitig or is
choiced mated traffic. intended to coo. e Shea Blvd access to Scottsdale when ;..cc.
flooding :•-t al is location. Lastly, Rio -i .--erdc Drive extend:.; oligh a still
r. Range" ,szioio,r ,::::Tetas,e.s the -likelihood of accidents. It is also a rural pick-up
.• seilool. ba ri requiring traffic to sun: isacia pick-up a.11 drop-off location.
While there are other ar , concem„ given the compressed time. scale of tIc Vista Verde
proposal and the dila . .. easing these cortcerns and. communicating same to the community we
; request
ii that 779.L...:!sts January 29 ltela time as
dev.4;:loper's ic_:.:•.•;sq:.;13.tati , • . prov'idc the comx.n:uP rub - ieis expressed and iircvide
essential time to.: horn.to ., % - iers to absorb the - -411 ri ;tinils meeting and diakigue to
ensure all side - yheard. We believe
Thank you. for Your con ,:
Sincerely.
,%/achrrian
ident
.-) .ard of Directors
srid .well
Dan Cohorst
Claudin. lOrcian
1\41.arje.r.ie
jenny vers
Judy Riley
Terry- Ste..cyk
28150 N. Alma School Par'IN:i #103-112 Scot1sclaie. AZ 85262

Rachel Applegate - PLAN DEVX
From: susanrmcguire@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 3:17 PM
To: Rachel Applegate - PLANDEVX
Subject: Vista Verde Development
Ms. Applegate
As a resident of Rio Verde Foothills, I have concerns regarding the increased density of the proposed Vista Verde
Development. I feel the higher density will have an adverse impact on the local infrastructure, ie, fire, sheriff, and
traffic. Another concern is our water supply out here. How can one determine a 100 year water supply? I have neighbors
whose wells periodically run dry during summer months. Also, the traffic on Rio Verde Dr. swells during the winter
months with winter visitors from Tonto Verde and Rio Verde. Will the developers of Vista Verde increase the traffic lanes
on Rio Verde Dr. to accommodate 850 new residents?
Respectfully,
Susan McGuire
16236 E. Calle de las Estrellas
Scottsdale, AZ
480 471 3591
susanrmccuireaol.com

January 23, 2014
Rachel Applegate, Planner
Comprehensive Planning Division
Maricopa County Planning and Development
501 N. 44th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Re; Development Master Plan — DMP2013005, Zone Change — Z2013093
Dear Ms. Applegate,
We have become aware of the Proposed Vista Verde development, and have serious concerns. These concerns are
summarized below:
1. Water: Per Tiffany and Bosco representatives, Vista Verde will utilize the Rio Verde Utility, and maintain that the
development has a 100 year water supply. When asked about aquifer impact on the surrounding ranchers, horse
operations and homeowners, they dodged the question, declining to speak publically about it. From what we
and neighbors have been able to determine is that the original proposal appears to be very dated. Vista Verde
development planning appears to have commenced in 1973.
We are in the 14th year of a major drought which is projected to continue. Local wells have run dry, and we have
no indication that the aquifer impact of the residences and golf courses proposed has or will be considered in
the current development proposal.
2. Dust & Road Debris: The current, somewhat comparable development in the area is the Lyle Anderson
Companies' Sierra Reserve on Dynamite/Rio Verde Road and roughly 128 th St. in North Scottsdale. The City of
Scottsdale is requiring dust control and street sweeping to manage dust and road debris for the adjacent
community and safety of the Dynamite/Rio Verde Road traffic. We see no such considerations in the Vista Verde
discussions.
Additionally, an ADEQ particulate monitoring site is nearby the Vista Verde site, on Forest Road. Increased dust
could have a negative impact on their numbers, and create potential air quality compliance issues.
3. Traffic: We have one way in and one way out of our neighborhood. The City of Scottsdale is requiring the Lyle
Anderson Companies to add lanes on Dynamite/Rio Verde Road based on their traffic analysis, and this
development is much closer to the Pinnacle Peak area where many area residents live. The Sierra reserve will
only add 250 residences to the area. Vista Verde is adding in excess of 850, and maintains that traffic studies
indicate no impact to existing traffic on Rio Verde Road, which is the only thoroughfare in, or out of the area. It
is ridiculous to think that an 250 additional residences would impact traffic and access on the same road, while
850 would not, per a traffic study referenced by Tiffany and Bosco representatives.

4. Density: Per the December 12, 2013 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, the original Development
Master Plan for Vista Verde called for a density of 1.0. Their zoning change request calls for density to be set at
1.7. The adjacent communities of Rio Verde and Tonto Verde have density at 1.5. Our concern is that higher
densities degrade the quality of life, and strain local infrastructure (road, fire, police) and environment (water,
air quality). Although our area has a density of one house per acre, most of our neighbors have more than
that. Changing to 1.7 is a mistake, and goes against the rural lifestyle we moved here for and aim to preserve.
5. Stakeholder Notice: While signs were posted, only case numbers and contact information was provided. The
local community only found out about the 12/12/13 meeting shortly prior, and had no time to organize
informed dialog. Additionally, the Planning and Zoning Commission Meetings are held during the day in the
standard work-week, limiting the ability of neighborhood group representatives to attend. Please make this
right. The neighbors should be aware and have input into what goes on.
Given these concerns, I would request no further action be taken on this development until the water, traffic, and other
concerns can be researched and addressed so that the existing community is assured a water supply and not left with
dangerous and untenable traffic conditions. Actions to ensure we are not adversely impacted by dust and road debris
during the protracted construction schedule proposed also need to be identified.
Additionally, it seems reasonable to postpone the January 29, 2014 Board of Supervisors Hearing, Vista Verde agenda
item, to allow the surrounding community to become informed and prepare for dialog with the Vista Verde developers
and their representation.
Respectfully,
Richard and Donna Villegas

Rachel Applegate - PLAN DEVX
From: Melvin Goldsmith <sonnyg46@gmall.com >
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 2:20 PM
To: Rachel Applegate - PLANDEVX
Subject: Vista Verde Development Master Nan — DMP2013005
Dear Ms. Applegate,
I am writing to urge the county to postpone any decision on the increased density until more study and
discussions are held on the need for additional power substation expansion, highway crowding / traffic issues
and the impact the additional density will have on the water needed by existing residents.
In general this area was zoned as low density and should not have the density increased to the detriment of the
current residents.
Regards,
Melvin and Kay Goldsmith
14323 E Carefree Hwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Rachel Applegate - PLAN DEVX
From: Denney <info@bigcorratnet>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 6:41 AM
To: Rachel Applegate - PLAN DEVX
Subject: Vista Verde Land Use changes
Dear Ms Applegate,
Let this letter serve as a protest to the Land Use Changes proposed in
, commonly known as Vista Verde located in the Rio Verde Foothills
area. The proposed increase in density will adversely effect the entire community area in various negative
forms: to wit, increased traffic without a safe infrastructure, lack of water and water tables, and population
density. These issues have been addressed to a more detailed degree by other informed source. Currently, the
area in a rural, equine, single family dwelling on acreage affording a ranch/ outdoor recreation population. Other
areas to the south and east of the proposed site (Tonto Verde & Rio Verde Country Clubs) were built to full fill the
needs proposed for Vista Verde. Those areas are not over built and a good many homes are available in them to
suit the needs proposed for Vista Verde. In other words, Vista Verde is not needed in the proposed plan for the
public as other option exist in the area. The proposed changes will promote numerous conflicts with in the present
population. It will greatly diminish the current values, life styles and sense of community that presently exits
within the area now.
As a seasonal resident of the area, I would strongly suggest the original master plan be adhered to for the public
welfare and general good of the area.
Denney & Carol Schilthuis
P.O. Box 4407
Durango, CO 81302
1

Rachel Applgate - PLANDEVX
From: Carmela Lizzo <carmela@camelbackadventures.com >
Sent: Wednesday, January 22, 2014 5:34 PM
To: Rachel Applegate - PLAN DEVX
Subject: Vista Verde
I would like to go on record stating that as a homeowner in the Rio Verde Foothills area, I am very opposed to the
request for increased density by the developers of Vista Verde. Water is a major concern in our community, as is
drainage, traffic, trash from contractors, additional utility sub stations, and the change to the General Amendment that
outlined the vision for community. I don't believe there has been any communication (outside of those landowners
who actually own lots in their development) with the community to address these issues. I request that the Jan 29
meeting be put on hold and the developers schedule public forums for the surrounding neighbors in the
Foothills. Additionally, I know they have a 100 year water certification but many of my neighbors wells are going dry, so
how can that be possible?
Carmela Lizzo
Camelback Adventures
14307 E. Hawknest Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
ph: 480 227 0568
1

Rachel Applegate - PLANDEVX
From: George Mount <gbmos.mt@rnsmte.com >
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 4:02 PM
To: Rachel Applegate - PLAN DEVX
Subject: vista verde
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
We moved out hear to get away from urban sprawl. Please do not approve a Change of zoning.
George Mount

Rachel Applegate - PLANDEVX
From: Kim Newbury <knewbury@antigua.com >
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2014 4:14 PM
To: Rachel Applegate - PLANDEVX
Subject: Opposing the rezoning
Dear Rachel,
I am writing to let you know that I oppose the rezoning to higher density for Vista Verde. This refers
to:
Development Master Plan — DMP2013005 Zone Change — Z2013093
This will change the area so much with so much traffic on a small 2 lane road. There will be insufficient lanes and
roadways, and so much more water will be used for this project as well as Sierra Reserve. We are still in a long time
drought. This is not in our best interest.
Regards,
KA Newbury
www.antigua.cot
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