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Pinetop Lakeside council approves purchase of 2.08 acres adjacent to town hall from Washburn Trust
Summary
Council authorized the town manager to enter an agreement to buy roughly 2.08 acres at 141 W. White Mountain Blvd. to preserve land near town hall; the resolution passed 6–1 after public comment on fiscal priorities and short public notice.
The Town of Pinetop Lakeside voted 6–1 to authorize the town manager to enter into an agreement with the Washburn Trust to purchase roughly 2.08 acres at 141 West White Mountain Boulevard in Lakeside.
Staff told the council the parcel abuts town hall and purchasing it would preserve the town-hall setting, prevent incompatible commercial uses and retain flexibility for future expansion. "Purchasing this property will preserve the aesthetics of the town hall and prevent businesses that may not be compatible in nature," staff said in the presentation. Staff also noted deed restrictions tied to the town-hall property limit development options on the adjacent parcel and that an appraisal contingency is included in the contract: if the property does not appraise for the contract amount, the town may back out.
Public commenters urged caution. Jeff Stearns said converting cash to a long-term real estate holding may create liabilities and ongoing maintenance costs and argued the town already wields restrictions that could limit nearby development without purchase. Larry McCormick criticized the timing and public notice, saying the project had been worked on for an extended period but appeared on the agenda with short notice; he also referenced reported listing and rumored sale prices for the parcel. Councilor Turner raised budget concerns, noting potential near-term fiscal pressures and other town obligations.
Council supporters described the purchase as a prudent, forward-looking investment. Councilor Frano said owning the parcel could add value because the town controls deed restrictions and pointed to a reported well on the property as an additional potential asset. Another councilor said municipalities across the region buy commercial property to shape downtown development.
The motion to authorize the town manager to execute the purchase passed 6–1.
Why it matters: The purchase secures land adjacent to municipal facilities and could shape downtown development and future town operations. Public commenters raised concerns about fiscal tradeoffs, transparency and timing.
Next steps: The town will proceed under the contract terms, including an appraisal contingency; if the appraisal is lower than the contract price, staff indicated the town can withdraw from the purchase.
