Residents question transparency in controversial Lakeshore 650 development

During a recent Prescott Valley government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the Lakeshore 650 development project, particularly about the addition of 200 workforce housing units and the implications for local infrastructure and community safety.

Council members and residents questioned whether the 200 workforce units were included in the original proposal presented to the planning and zoning committee. There were concerns that these units, which are not counted towards the total unit count of Lakeshore 650, might bypass public scrutiny and the necessary planning processes. The vice mayor clarified that any development on land owned by the developer could proceed without public input, raising alarms about transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

Resident Sandy Graham highlighted the importance of impact fees, which are intended to fund infrastructure improvements necessitated by new developments. She criticized a deal negotiated with Lakeshore 650 developers that would return up to $5 million in impact fees if a park was established, arguing that these funds would be better spent on road development to enhance safety, especially given the limited access routes for the project.

Further criticism came from Patricia Bridal, who expressed dissatisfaction with the council's negotiations with the developer, claiming that key community concerns—such as density, open space, and infrastructure—were overlooked. She pointed out that the increase in density, alongside the mandated construction of a sports complex, did not align with the community's needs or desires. Bridal also raised issues regarding the town's commitment to water neutrality and the reliance on rain harvesting techniques, which she deemed insufficient.

The discussions underscored a growing tension between the Prescott Valley government and its residents, with calls for greater transparency and responsiveness to community concerns regarding the Lakeshore 650 project and its potential impact on the town's future.