Maricopa City Council reviews infrastructure improvement plan amid public concerns

The Maricopa City Council held a significant meeting on November 21, 2023, focusing on the city's growth and infrastructure needs. A key topic was the public hearing regarding the Land Use Assumption (LUA) and Infrastructure Improvement Plan (IIP), which aims to address the anticipated growth in Maricopa over the next decade.

Deputy City Manager Ben Bitterman introduced the LUA and IIP, emphasizing the extensive work that has gone into the planning process since its inception in February 2022. The council has been actively engaging with the community and stakeholders, including developers, to gather feedback on the proposed plans. The draft documents were made available online for public review, and additional stakeholder meetings were held to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the planning process.

The proposed IIP outlines necessary infrastructure improvements across various sectors, including parks, recreation, libraries, police, fire services, and roadways. However, the discussion highlighted concerns from local developers regarding the proposed increase in impact fees, particularly for single-family homes, which could more than double to over $13,000. Developers, including representatives from Pulte Homes and the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, expressed worries that such increases could hinder home affordability in a rapidly growing city.

Faye Souders, speaking on behalf of Pulte Homes, urged the council to reconsider the proposed fees, arguing that the current draft does not adequately demonstrate the necessary connection between the fees and the infrastructure improvements. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that new developments are not unfairly burdened with costs that do not directly benefit them.

James Ashley, representing the Home Builders Association, echoed these sentiments, raising concerns about the proportionality of the fees and the need for a clear nexus between the proposed projects and the developments that would be paying for them. He pointed out that if the improvements benefit the entire community, existing property owners might disproportionately benefit from the fees charged to new developments.

The council plans to continue refining the LUA and IIP, with a final draft expected to be presented in January 2024. This ongoing dialogue with stakeholders is crucial as Maricopa navigates its growth while striving to maintain affordable housing options for its residents. The outcomes of this meeting will play a significant role in shaping the city's infrastructure and development landscape in the years to come.