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Council clears way for 250‑acre sand-and-gravel expansion near Hunt Highway
Summary
Council approved a major general plan amendment to expand an existing sand-and-gravel operation on roughly 250 acres near Hunt Highway and Pinal Parkway. Applicant said the aggregate would reduce transport costs for nearby construction and the project will include an armored berm and floodplain mitigation.
The Florence Town Council voted Oct. 7 to approve a major general-plan amendment that will permit expansion of a sand-and-gravel extraction operation on about 250 acres near Hunt Highway and the Pinal Parkway.
Applicant presentation: Paul Gilbert, identified as the applicant representative, told the council the expansion is intended to supply aggregate to local projects and reduce hauling distances and costs. He said the site is bordered by the Gila River and the North Side Canal and that much of the site lies in the 100‑year floodplain. The proposal includes constructing an armored perimeter berm to keep floodwaters out of the excavated areas and a post‑mining restoration plan.
Planning process and public input: Staff and the applicant said the proposal followed state-required neighborhood-notice procedures, two Planning & Zoning hearings and a 60‑day notification period; the planning commission recommended approval by a recorded vote. Staff reported no substantive public opposition at the hearings, and the applicant said Merrill Ranch submitted a support letter.
Council discussion: Council members described the project as beneficial for local construction because aggregate prices typically rise with transport distance; they also asked about the berm and post‑mining restoration plans. The applicant said he expects to return for the zoning and conditional-use components later in the land‑use sequence.
Formal action: Council adopted Ordinance No. 770-25 (major general plan amendment for the aggregate site) by recorded roll call vote; the action carried unanimously per the meeting record.
Next steps: The applicant said the overall approval is the first of three required land‑use actions (general-plan amendment, rezone to heavy industrial, and a conditional-use permit) and that subsequent filings will include detailed plans for flood protection, haul routes and reclamation.
Speakers quoted or cited in this article: Paul Gilbert (applicant representative), Eric Mears (geologist/engineer, available to answer technical questions), Mayor Eaton, Vice Mayor Adam, Council members.
