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From:
sbchum8070@gmail.com
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
FW: Scanned document from HP ePrint user
Date:
Thursday, October 14, 2021 12:01:10 PM
Attachments:
HPSCAN_202110141846447_2021-10-14_184840249.pdf
Mr. Banker,
Attached is our opposition petition for the Santa Barbara Ranch zoning change case # CPA2021009 &
Z2021078 located in Morristown Arizona. We strongly oppose the proposed changes in this area.
Thank you,
Don & Sharon Beauchamp
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From:
Sheryl Sambrookes
To:
Clint Hickman (BOS)
Cc:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Santa Barbara Ranch Z2021078_CPA2021009
Date:
Friday, October 15, 2021 10:01:04 AM
Dear Supervisor Hickman:
On September 27th, the Wickenburg Sun published a news article regarding a zoning
change application and major comprehensive plan amendment that was filed with
Maricopa County for the Morristown area. It notified the public of a neighborhood
meeting being conducted on September 30th. Even with such little notice, the
meeting was well attended by very concerned citizens of Morristown. It was held at
the “big, white mansion” as it is locally known south of Hwy 74 and just west of 235th
Ave. It was a poorly planned meeting as the meeting room was packed and
inadequately ventilated, there was only enough electricity for a small lamp or two and
a string of decorative lights, there was no seating, it was difficult to hear, and most of
us could not see or follow the poster boards that the representatives were referring to.
With the future prospect of up to approximately 5,000 dwellings on 1,003 acres,
zoning of R1-6 and another 20,000+ area residents, the immediate concerns raised
by Morristown residents were water, sewer, roads, traffic, public safety, schools,
environmental problems, etc. and those concerns were voiced. The representative’s
response was that all concerns would be handled by the city of Surprise, as the only
way this development will be possible is if Surprise annexes it and provides all of the
necessary utilities, infrastructure, services and amenities. He estimated that it would
take at least 10 years or more for Surprise’s annexation process to get to this
property. He apparently thought that his answer would eliminate any and all concerns
by local residents. However, he offered no facts, figures or guarantees to support his
assertions.
In all actuality, the thought of the city of Surprise gobbling up land for annexation up
to Wittmann and beyond is extremely disturbing and troubling for the vast majority of
Morristown area residents. None of us choose to live in Surprise otherwise we would.
We personally lived in Surprise several years ago and moved. Those of us who live
in the Morristown area came here to enjoy a rural way of life and a connection to the
desert and open land that cannot be found within a city with walled-off subdivisions
and the standard list of corporate owned stores and restaurants on every major
corner. It is unacceptable that Maricopa County and the cities within continue to head
towards becoming one giant homogeneous blur of similar looking developments.
Rural residents have lifestyle choices that are completely different from urban
residents who expect certain “amenities” that only cities can provide. The county’s
own Vision 2030 plan recognizes that urban development in rural areas creates
substantial challenges that need to be carefully addressed in any urban/rural interface
area as they majorly affect an area’s quality and livability. The impact of a
development like this would have a tremendous negative impact on the current
residents of Morristown. Proposed changes are much too drastic for the area.
Density is too high and many conflicts will result between differing lifestyle priorities.
Neither the high density of homes/people nor the Santa Barbara look of the
development/landscape is a good fit for Morristown.
Many Arizona residents are concerned that potentially serious water issues loom in
the future of this state as evidenced by the declining levels of Lake Mead and Lake
Powell. Morristown residents who have a well are worried about any increased
pumping of groundwater and drilling of new wells. Many of us have been concerned
about the unbridled growth in this state in the past and whether it will continue into the
future. Even with all of the publicity regarding the alarming decline of Colorado River
water and future water problems, it seems as though few of the state’s leaders have
noticed. Everything appears to be “business as usual.” Subdivisions and apartment
buildings continue to be built. Currently there is no public encouragement of water
conservation. The warnings are being ignored and it is very frustrating for those of us
who are concerned about the future ramifications. The state, counties and cities all
need to take proactive measures regarding water management and protection instead
of being reactive years down the road.
The out-of-state property owners who purchased this acreage, some in 2007 / 2008
and some in 2015, were well aware of its current rural zoning. As speculative
investors, they have two main objectives – protect their investment and maximize
their profits. Any developer’s goal is to insure that their property has some kind of
high density or preferred zoning grandfathered in. The current land owners have little
firsthand knowledge of our local issues and share few of our concerns.
If any possibility of development is at least 10 years away and is dependent on
annexation by the city of Surprise, it makes no sense for the county to spend time and
resources to perform technical reviews and impact studies based on current
conditions. There could be any number of unforeseen circumstances in the next 10
years, the most important of which is the precarious status of water. Development
should not be allowed to continue as usual. If and when Surprise annexes this
property, that will be the time to request a plan amendment and a zoning change with
the city of Surprise.
As we recently drove over the Morristown Overpass, the future possibility of looking
out over a sea of rooftops in just one more housing development eating up the
beautiful desert, is very disturbing and sad. We strongly oppose the Santa Barbara
Ranch Zone Change Application Z2021078 and CPA 2021009 and ask the county to
deny both requests.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sheryl & Samuel Sambrookes
PO Box 363
27324 W Gates Rd
Morristown, AZ 85342
602-432-0077
From:
TBTabbyCatt
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
No subdivision
Date:
Friday, October 15, 2021 6:05:23 PM
I am a Morristown home owner and I am writing to tell you we do not want a 5000 home
subdivision in Morristown. Thank you.
Tabatha Bundesen
624-208-3760
--
Sincerely,
Tabatha Bundesen
From:
Linda de Berge
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Re: New Case: Z2021078 - Santa Barbara Ranch
Date:
Sunday, October 17, 2021 11:52:08 AM
Attachments:
image001.png
image002.png
Santa Barbara Ranch Letter to WickSun.docx
Ray, I feel the need to share with you the feelings I had about this Santa Barbara Ranch plan. They reflect a lot of
what this community feels. This is in addition to the Petitions you will receive. This is a letter I wrote to the
Wickenburg Sun. I have sent it for review to several neighbors, and they agree with it. Just FYI
Thanks for all that you do!
On Mon, Jul 19, 2021 at 6:22 PM Ray Banker (PND) <Ray.Banker@maricopa.gov> wrote:
Good afternoon,
You are receiving this email as the above mentioned case is in an area which you are considered an “Area of
Interest”. Attached are documents relating to the subject case and upcoming TAC Meeting. Please let me know if
you if have any questions.
Thank you,
Ray Banker
Senior Planner
Maricopa County Planning & Development Department
301 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 170
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-506-2364
Ray.Banker@maricopa.gov
Linda de Berge
P.O. Box 458/ 41818 N 275th AV
Morristown, AZ 85342
Dear Sir/Madam:
Concerning the meeting held in Morristown Sept. 30 regarding the Santa Barbara Development plan to build
up to four thousand+ homes between Hwy 74 and Grand Avenue, adjacent to existing Morristown.
The presenter was not well informed about the project. His response to most questions was “Surprise will
take care of all that” (water supply, schools, waste disposal, electricity, etc.). As if our being gobbled up by the
City of Surprise is a done deal. He added no additional information to what had already been provided by our
County’s “Area of Interest” contact, Mr. Ray Banker.
We were treated with utter contempt and disrespect. There were no chairs to sit in, no A/C, no fans, no
water. There is electricity in that building, since a slide show was presented.
Since they only notified the persons living immediately adjacent to their properties, they were clearly not
expecting the volume of interest from our community. There were only 2 chairs for 75 persons who came!
So, they sent the required notification to only 2 persons? Every one of us went home feeling disgusted and
insulted. It is abundantly clear that they don’t give a rat’s hair about what we think, but are simply fulfilling
the county requirement to hold a public meeting.
I feel safe in saying that 99 percent of Morristown residents are opposed to being taken over by Surprise. This
roughneck type of development is NOT acceptable. We rely on private wells, or Morristown Water Company.
This development would require deep wells and create a cone of depression drawing down all our wells.
Let’s NOT let them pull this off this snatch and grab. We want LESS density than they propose. Not a typical
ticky-tacky Surprise development with houses 10-20 feet apart. This is NOT acceptable. We do NOT want to
be another Surprise. An educated, conservative guess would be: the average lot size here in and around
Morristown is at least 1 acre. Many persons out here own 2 to 20 or 40 or even 100+ acres. This is why we
live here. Please join me in writing your opposition to changing the zoning from R-43 (one house per acre) to
5 residences per acre. One house per acre is ideal - 2 homes per acre would be the highest density that should
ever be allowed.
The next meetings concerning this project are virtual. They want to do the minimum and slide their high
density in now, so that the land will be more attractive to Surprise for annexation.
Write to: Maricopa Co Planning and Dev. Dept., 301 W. Jefferson St. STE. 170, Phoenix AZ 85003, or call 602-
506-3301, or email our Area Senior planner Ray Banker at Ray.Banker@maricopa.gov
Regarding: Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change Application Z2021078 and CPA 2021009
The sooner we stop this underhanded, unscrupulous developer, the better for all of us.
Sincerely, Linda de Berge, Concerned Landowner of Morristown (CLOM).
From:
Anita Lugar
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Opposition to Zoning Change Request - Z2021078 and CPA2021009 - Santa Barbara Ranch
Date:
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 9:06:03 AM
Mr. Banker,
As a resident of Morristown, I oppose the zoning change request Z2021078 and CPA2021009 for Santa
Barbara Ranch. We are a small, rural community and the proposed zoning change would be a drastic
and detrimental change to our way of living. Our community has horses, cattle, chickens, and other
animals, which means noises, smells, and some insects. This is sure to bring conflict between the urban
environment proposed and our existing community. Many residents of our community have lived this
rural lifestyle for decades and we would like to keep it rural. I understand the landowner is looking for a
large return on investment, however I feel any development in Morristown should remain at the RU-43
density.
I attended the community meeting held by Tiffany & Bosco P.A. and every question seemed to be
answered with "when Surprise annexes the property". If everything is dependent on when Surprise
brings the infrastructure to the area, then why the big push to change the zoning now? How do we know
they will keep the promise that no traffic would be routed through our community roads? The drawings
presented at the meeting show the proposed development access to US60 is via the landfill road. That
road meets US60 at the base of a curved overpass, not an area that would handle the volume of cars this
development would bring to the area. The other proposed main entrance is on SR74. Another road that
would have difficulty handling the increased volume of traffic this zoning density would bring. Other
promises were made regarding the buffering of the two very different communities, with no way of
knowing if these will be fulfilled. There are just too many unknowns for me to be comfortable supporting
this zoning change.
Please help us keep Morristown rural and oppose the requested zoning change.
Thank you for your time.
Anita Lugar
40624 N 251st Ave
Morristown, AZ 85342
602.690.8430
From:
Cassidy Nosekabel
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Fwd: Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change Application Opposition
Date:
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 10:42:14 AM
Good Morning,
I am writing as a very concerned, fifth generation Morristown resident. My family has over 75
years of history in this tiny town and we take great pride in our little patch of the Sonoran
Desert. As a Morristown resident and a conservationist, the proposed zoning change to allow
the Santa Barbara Ranch development to place between 3000 and 5000 homes in the area is of
great concern to me.
Here are my top five largest concerns and arguments against allowing this development to
continue:
1. Morristown's heritage: Morristown has a long and interesting history as a hub for
miners, Resort visitors, and ranchers. All over this tiny town you can find historic artifacts
dating back over 50+ years to a more rugged time. Allowing 5000 homes to be built on top of
this would cause us to lose out on important pieces of our history. Even the areas outside of
the building zone will be heavily impacted by this massive influx of people living in the area.
2. Morristown's infrastructure: Living here my entire life, we have had our fair share of
emergencies. Calling the police or even the fire department often required us to drive to the
end of the road and wait for 30+ minutes until county sherriffs finally arrived in Morristown.
Then we would have to lead them to the scene of the incident as they were unfamiliar with the
area. Today we are lucky enough to have a fire department composed of locals, but we still
run into the same problems with police incidents. Morristown doesn't even have a gas station,
nonetheless a grocery store, hospital, town sewer lines, drainages or any of the other numerous
amenities that would be necessary to support a community of 5000 homes.
3. Sonoran Desert: Morristown is home to one of the most beautiful and pristine patches of
Sonoran Desert outside of the Phoenix Metro area. The particular area that this development is
planning to build on, is an extremely diverse and important transition zone from desert
foothills to creosote flats. (I should probably mention that I am a Park Ranger with a degree in
Natural Resource Management) That means that you have a melting pot of plant and wildlife
species that thrive in both types of habitat living in this one incredible area. Without that
transitional zone, genetic diversity for the flora and fauna on either side will suffer. They will
be almost entirely cut off from one another wreaking havoc on the biodiversity and health of
both ecosystems. This particular area is also riddled with hundreds of ancient saguaros which
are deserving of acknowledgment in the vital role they play in the environment and the
heritage of our great state.
4. Western Living: Morristown is, and always has been, a small western town. We have
multiple local cattle ranchers, dude ranches, and rodeo arenas. Allowing this area to be re-
zoned for single family homes will devastate the local economy and cause clashes with
existing locals and the new people moving in. I'm sure as the State has grown in population
you have seen these types of clashes time and time again. It is something I do not wish on
Morristown and on the cattlemen and women who call this town home.
5. Integrity of the Town: If the zoning is approved, eventually the City of Surprise will be
annexing Morristown. Our little home will be swallowed up by a growing city. Living this far
away from the urban life of Surprise is a choice. We chose to live in a small town, to raise our
kids in a tiny community, and to work hand in hand with our neighbors to make our
community better. Those are traits that will disappear with the approval of this development.
The integrity of our community depends on staying rural and staying small.
Overall, allowing this area to be re-zoned would be catastrophic for our little town. I, as well
as the rest of the local residents, strongly oppose this development and the dramatic changes it
would mean to Morristown.
I appreciate anything you can do to help prevent this development from coming to fruition.
Best,
Cassidy Nosekabel
Phone: (928) 308-7502
Email: cassidynosekabel@gmail.com
From:
Rachele Rogers - AGM - Phoenix - Scottsdale
To:
Clint Hickman (BOS)
Cc:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change App Z2021078 & CPA 2021009
Date:
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 10:53:02 AM
Attachments:
Document_20211020_0001.pdf
To Whom It May Concern:
My husband and I are residents of Morristown, AZ and are strongly opposed to the proposed
changes.
It would completely change the way of life in Morristown; the very reason we live there is to have
some space and a quieter
way of life. Not to mention the impact it would have on our sewer, water, traffic, etc….as mentioned
in the attached petition. Please do not
allow this zoning change to occur.
Rachele Rogers
La Quinta by Wyndham
Assistant General Manager
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, Az 85260
480-614-5300 Phone
480-614-5333 Fax
rachele.rogers@laquinta.com
Please consider the environment before printing this email
From:
Sharon Burnett
To:
Clint Hickman (BOS); Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change Z2021078 and CPA 2021009
Date:
Friday, October 22, 2021 10:50:40 AM
Gentlemen:
I have attached my petition against the zoning change that is under consideration for this rural district (Santa
Barbara Ranch Zone Change Z2021078 and CPA20219). To rezone this area is so wrong for so many reasons that
it must not be allowed to take place. The sewage and water problem alone for permitting such a high-density
population would contaminate our wells as well as lower the water table. I truly hope you do not reward
speculative investors to come into this area and destroy our rural setting: they purchased rural property knowing it
was such and I do hope you allow it to remain so.
I have also mailed the original signed petition against this rezone effort to the Maricopa County Planning and
Development Department.
Sharon Burnett
Mail: PO Box 418, Morristown, Az 85342
Physical: 38425 N 271st Ave, Morristown, Az 85342
Email: suenjim418@yahoo.com
602-402-9785
From:
Leslie Pavlich
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Regarding: Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change Application Z2021078 and CPA 2021009
Date:
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 1:39:50 PM
Regarding: Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change Application Z2021078 and CPA 2021009
I am a Morristown AZ Resident. I live here because this is the only small town left. We live the Rural
life. I am strongly opposed to the new Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change . I also would like to
keep R-43 to keep this a Rural Area. We must keep our way of life here. There is plenty of space
next to Surprise. Leave us be. I don’t want to see that kind of development that close to
Morristown.
Thank You,
Leslie Pavlich
40607 N 254th Ave
Morristown AZ 85342
Sent from Mail for Windows
From:
papa memo gomez
To:
Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Santa Barbara Ranch Zone Change Application Z2021078 and CPA 2021009
Date:
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 7:33:28 AM
Can't find the words to describe how terrible this idea is, theres a reason we live secluded from
the city, and you guys wana bring it closer to our small towns, we dont want it,keep your city
lifestyle to yourselves and as far as possible from us, go else where and ruin there town
From:
Scott Beiter
To:
PND On Call Planner; Ray Banker (PND); Clint Hickman (BOS)
Cc:
Desert Beauty
Subject:
Opposition to Santa Barbara Ranch Z2021078 & CPA 2021009
Date:
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 11:49:46 AM
I am writing you as a concerned home owner who lives on the Southeast corner of this proposed
development to voice my opposition to this project. The legal firm held a public meeting and had very
limited information to this project and all they keep saying was once Surprise annex's this property they
would provide all the infrastructure that it needs. There was no plan of how this would be completed and
how it would effect the current people living in the area and we were treated like we were just an obstacle
they had to deal with and hold a meeting to say they did. This project area is a natural habitat for several
herds of wild donkeys' and other wildlife which will be forced out with no plan to protect them. Their water
plan is to get waters from Surprise and being on a shared well this is a concern as they will possibly lower
the water table causing us to no longer have water, which was never answered by the legal firm after
several people asked. I have talked with a Surprise council member and they have not even heard about
this possible subdivision and seem to be in the dark as well. The current schools, fire department, and
post office would be overwhelmed with this increase in population from this subdivision and that was
never addressed to explain how they plan to help with that problem. Several ranches graze cattle in this
area also and they would be forced off the land causing them a hardship. I have several other items, but
to be to the point please DO NOT approve the rezoning and give in to big development in this area. I
know it may happen in the future but it needs to be better planned and done in the open and not seem so
fly by night and hide everything.
Thank You,
Scott Beiter
37416 N. 240th Dr
Morristown, AZ 85342
602-826-2521
From:
Marsha Berger
To:
Clint Hickman (BOS); Ray Banker (PND)
Subject:
Opposition to Morristown Zoning request
Date:
Tuesday, November 2, 2021 4:36:50 PM
Attachment contains reasons for opposition.
Our community would appreciate any help you can offer.
Marsha Berger
Ted Berger