Apache Junction council discusses extending development agreement for Meridian/Southern property amid water and drainage uncertainties

City of Apache Junction staff and council members discussed a proposed extension of a development agreement tied to roughly 160 acres at the southeast corner of Meridian Drive and Southern Avenue during a June 2 work session, but took no final action. Instead, staff said they will pull the item from consent and return with additional negotiations involving the developer.

City planning staff presented background on a development agreement approved by a prior council in February 2009 that authorized a large, planned mobile-home development on the parcel. Speakers said the 2009 agreement included the city’s obligation to accept and convey a defined historic peak flow through a drainage channel and that both drainage and assured water-supply constraints affect what can be built on the site. A staff speaker said the developer is now interested in pursuing single-family homes and that the proposed amendment would give the city and…