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Planning staff and consultant preview Parcel 30 specific plan, emphasizing flexibility and remediation measures
Summary
Town planning staff and consultant WLB Group held a study session on a proposed Parcel 30 specific plan — a flexible rezoning and framework for future mixed‑use development on a 233‑acre town-owned site that includes a capped former mill/tailings area.
Town planning staff and a consultant with WLB Group briefed the Planning and Zoning Commission and council in a study session on the proposed Parcel 30 Specific Plan, a rezoning and framework for long-term mixed-use development on approximately 233 acres just south of the existing town core.
Robert Longacre of WLB Group told commissioners the specific plan is intended to provide a flexible zoning entitlement suitable where an ultimate developer or end user is not identified. The plan divides the property into conceptual development areas, preserves a northern tract that contains Man In The Maze Park and a capped former mill/tailings area that is subject to a Declaration of Environmental Use Restriction (DOE R), and shows buffers and a conceptual internal roadway layout.
Longacre said the northern 87-acre portion contains the former Eagle Pitcher Mill facility tailings deposit area, remediated and capped historically; the DOE R and deed restrictions limit certain ground-disturbing uses in that area. Secondary planning steps will be required when a developer proposes a specific project — circulation, drainage, utilities, detailed geotechnical and site design analyses will be supplied as part of subsequent entitlements.
Planning staff said the specific plan aligns with the town's ASPIRE 2035 Saguaro Square District Area Plan, and noted the document incorporates buffers (a 60-foot El Toro Road buffer and a 40-foot buffer adjacent to existing residential neighborhoods) and provisions for phased inclusion of adjacent HOA contracts. Commissioners asked about remediation status and buffering; staff confirmed environmental assessments and sampling were completed prior to the town's acquisition and explained that the capped portion has two feet of cover with restrictions on deep disturbance. Planning staff said formal hearings are scheduled: the Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the rezoning at a future hearing (date noted in packet) and the item will later come to council for final action.
