Council faces backlash over controversial Lakeshore 650 development plan

In a recent Prescott Valley council meeting, significant discussions centered around the controversial Lakeshore 650 development project, which proposes a maximum density of 3,491 residential units, including at least 200 workforce housing units. Despite previous public opposition to higher density proposals, the current plan reflects an increase in potential residential units, raising concerns among council members and residents alike.

Mayor and council members, including Schumacher, Dickinson, and Grier, expressed their support for the project, while community members urged the council to adhere to their prior commitments to limit density. One resident emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust, urging the council to vote against the proposed density, which exceeds the previously promised threshold of 3,000 homes.

Concerns were also raised regarding the project's long-term implications, particularly the lack of detailed plans for essential infrastructure and services, as mandated by Arizona law. Residents highlighted the absence of timelines and funding obligations in the master plan, questioning the feasibility of meeting the required infrastructure standards within the next decade.

Additionally, the proposal includes the establishment of a Community Facilities District (CFD), which has drawn criticism for potentially burdening future homeowners with additional taxes and financial risks. Critics argue that CFDs prioritize developer interests and could lead to overdevelopment, negatively impacting public services and property values.

Community feedback from a recent survey indicated widespread dissatisfaction with local government management of growth and development, prompting calls for a postponement of the Lakeshore 650 proposal until newly elected council members can participate in the decision-making process.

As the council deliberates on the future of the Lakeshore 650 project, the outcome remains uncertain, with residents advocating for transparency and accountability in the development process.