Mohave County supervisors deny Golden Valley rezoning after hours of public opposition

The Mohave County Board of Supervisors voted 5–0 on March 3 to deny a rezoning request for a proposed mixed-use project at Teddy Roosevelt Road and Highway 68 in Golden Valley.

The decision followed a public hearing that drew scores of residents who opposed the developer’s plan to build commercial frontage, storage and an original proposal that included multifamily apartments. Speakers repeatedly raised concerns about septic and wastewater capacity, local water supplies, road impacts and public safety, including sheriff and ambulance coverage.

The developer, identified at the hearing as Peter (Pietro) Cimino, and project representative Kevin Thistle presented a revised plan during the meeting. Thistle said the proposal had been changed after neighborhood feedback to remove the multifamily apartments and to replace them with additional enclosed mini-storage, RV storage and a reduced number of single‑family lots. Thistle told the board the reduction would also cut projected sewer and water demand “to about half” of what multifamily would have required.

Residents told the supervisors that removing apartments did not address larger concerns. Multiple speakers said the area lacks a county sewer system and a reliable water supply and that previously proposed septic systems in the area had failed. Speakers raised traffic and drainage concerns and asked who would maintain new and existing roads and who would operate and maintain any on-site wastewater system.

Supervisor Roger Martin, whose district includes Golden Valley, said he had met with the developer and many residents and acknowledged the depth of opposition. Supervisor Travis Lettman and Supervisor Roger Borrelli said they were troubled by the project’s remaining uncertainties about wastewater and public‑safety impacts. Supervisor Martin moved to deny the rezoning; Lettman seconded. After a roll-call vote the motion carried 5–0.

The denial leaves the property at its current zoning; the developer may revise the proposal and seek future hearings. The Board’s action was a final denial of the application as presented; supervisors also discussed whether to send the item back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review but ultimately voted on a flat denial.

Residents who spoke urged the county to wait for the upcoming Golden Valley general‑plan update and to pursue infrastructure planning—such as sewer, water and emergency services—before approving major rezones. Several speakers also pressed the county to require clearer documentation of wastewater systems and to seek Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) review before approving zoning changes that would rely on on-site treatment.

The board’s action ends this application as presented but does not prohibit the property owner from filing a new or revised proposal later.