Surprise council accepts state land right of way to enable Deer Valley Road extension

The Surprise City Council voted unanimously Oct. 21 to accept a right of way from the Arizona State Land Department for Deer Valley Road from 190 Fifth Avenue to 200 11th Avenue, city staff said.

City staff described the acquisition as a necessary step to enable the Desert Trails development to extend Deer Valley Road and to provide a future connection to Sun Valley Parkway for residents south of U.S. 60. Staff emphasized that the timing of construction is developer-driven and that the city secured the right of way to preserve options if the private development stalls.

"Once preplats are approved end of this year, beginning of next year, they'll go through engineering and then the final plat process," a city staff presenter said, adding that based on that schedule "early to mid 2027 is probably when you'll see dirt turning." The presenter noted the roadway work represents "millions of dollars" of infrastructure the developer will put in as part of the development agreement.

Councilmember questions focused on timing and the city's role if the development does not proceed. Staff said the developer is required by the development agreement to build an initial phase of the road, and that the city could reconsider direct investment after the right of way is secured if the project stalls.

The council acted on the motion to accept the right of way and recorded a unanimous yes vote. The item was discussed separately after council members pulled it from the consent agenda for presentation and public explanation.

City staff said they will provide updates to the council and residents as the developer advances plats and engineering work.