Luke AFB Comments

City of El Mirage — Regular Meeting (2021-07-13)

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 
AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16 June 2021 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mr. Christopher P. Toale                                                                                          
Director, Community Initiatives Team 
56th Fighter Wing 
14185 West Falcon Street 
Luke AFB AZ 85309-1629 
 
 
Mr. Jose Macias 
Planner, Community Development 
10000 N. El Mirage Road, El Mirage, AZ 85335 
 
Re:  PZ21-05-17, Mendez Preliminary Plat (APN: 501-44-110K) 
        
Dear Mr. Macias  
 
 
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Preliminary Plat for the 
Mendez Project.  The site sits on approximately 4 acres of vacant land located at 11104 N. El 
Mirage Road in El Mirage, AZ and is part of the Dysart Ranchettes Subdivision.  This 
application request is for a subdivision of APN 501-44-110K into four single-family residential 
lots.  The site sits inside the Luke AFB 1988 JLUS 70 and 75 Ldn “high noise or accident 
potential zone” as identified by A.R.S. §28-8461 and is within the “territory in the vicinity of a 
military airport” also defined by A.R.S. §28-8461. 
 
 
Given the 4-acre parcel sits within the Luke AFB 1988 JLUS 70 and 75 Ldn “high noise 
or accident potential zone”, Luke AFB is concerned with the mission impact, safety and noise 
issues of this residential development.  Arizona Revised Statute prohibits new residential 
development inside the noise contours and our determination of what uses will and will not 
impact our training mission is generally consistent with the land use compatibility determination 
within the “high noise or accident potential zone of a military airport or ancillary military field” 
table found in A.R.S. §28-8481.  For this reason, Luke AFB finds this development negatively 
impacts our flying mission; however, Luke AFB also recognizes the Attorney General’s            
11 July 2003 determination (attached) that the Dysart Ranchettes Subdivision has been 
previously approved and falls under “grandfathered” status. 
 
 
While Luke AFB defers to the Attorney General’s determination on the Dysart 
Ranchettes, this does not minimize our safety concerns for this area.  This housing development 
remains one of the most hazardous residential areas near Luke AFB.  As the location is 
immediately outside of Accident Potential Zone II and is directly in line with the runway 
extension and under the flight path there is a high potential for negative impact to both Luke 
AFB’s flying operations and the residents.

Since the site will be located within the “territory in the vicinity of a military airport,” it 
will be subjected to approximately 165 over flights a day, with some as low as 1,500 feet above 
ground level.  If this development is approved, we recommend you review the sound attenuation 
requirements found in A.R.S. § 28-8482.  In addition, a strong notification program on the part 
of the applicant would be essential to inform potential residents about Luke AFB operations.  
 
 
If there are any questions, please contact my Community Planner, Mr. Mark James at 
(623) 856-9981. 
 
  
       
 
  
 
 
           Sincerely 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
           CHRISTOPHER P. TOALE 
 
Attachment: 
AZ Attorney General Letter, dated 11 July 2003 
 
cc: 
Colonel Luke B. Casper, Vice Commander, 56th Fighter Wing 
Ms. Cindy L. Allen, GS-13, General and Environmental Law Attorney, 56th Fighter Wing 
 
 
TOALE.CHRISTOP
HER.P.1039696165
Digitally signed by 
TOALE.CHRISTOPHER.P.10396
96165 
Date: 2021.06.16 14:40:46 -07'00'