Planning commission recommends rezoning 5 acres near Joe Hines and Packing Plant Road
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Summary
Cochise County planning staff recommended and the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward a proposal to rezone 5 acres from R36 to General Business for future commercial uses; neighbors opposed, citing water shortages and traffic concerns.
The Cochise County Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a rezoning of 5 acres at the southwest corner of Joe Hines Road and Packing Plant Road from R36 to General Business.
The applicant, Stan Chaffin, said the rezoning is intended to allow future commercial uses such as a farmers market and that there is no plan for a laundromat. "There was no laundromat ever going in," Chaffin said, adding he uses water-conserving irrigation and has pistachio acreage on a separate well.
Neighbors at the hearing urged caution. Jacqueline Robson, who lives about 500 feet northeast of the parcel, said residents have already noticed changes in their water when Chaffin irrigates and opposed any increased traffic from a farmers market. LaDonna Burgess, a 53-year resident, said traffic at the Joe Hines/Packing Plant intersection is already dangerous and added, "We have…no deputies in our county," to underscore safety concerns.
Staff presentation by Matthew Taylor said the request is consistent with the county's comprehensive plan 'developing' designation. Staff noted required public notice was mailed on Oct. 28 and again by the county on Dec. 17; staff mailed 32 notices within 750 feet and received two responses in favor and two in opposition. Based on the factors in favor, staff recommended forwarding the docket to the Board of Supervisors without special conditions.
Commissioner Lindbach moved to recommend approval; the motion carried and the chair said the item will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with a recommendation of approval. The Board will be the final decision-maker on the rezoning.
