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Pinal County approves rezoning of former avocado nursery despite neighborhood opposition
Summary
After a contested public hearing with neighbors citing traffic, lights and septic concerns, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved rezoning PC‑023‑25 to neighborhood commercial (C1) for a former avocado nursery, a vote supporters say will enable small retail and restaurant services near a growing residential area.
The Pinal County Board of Supervisors on March 18 approved ordinance PC‑023‑25 to rezone roughly 3.93 acres near McCartney and Overfield roads from General Rural to Neighborhood Commercial (C1), clearing the way for a small‑scale retail and restaurant project proposed for the former Phil Bond avocado nursery.
The applicant's architect, Samir Sleitwalla, told the board the property has a decades‑long commercial history as a nursery and that neighborhood demand supports the C1 designation. "People said what they need: food options, a coffee shop, a grocery," Sleitwalla said, arguing the change would reduce long vehicle trips and re‑use an existing commercial parcel.
Many nearby residents pushed back during the public hearing. John Morton, who lives across the street, said, "We don't want this in our backyard," and urged the board to preserve the area's rural character. Laura Ellis, another nearby resident, raised safety and infrastructure concerns, saying she feared increased traffic and night lighting near homes and children. Several residents questioned the adequacy of water, sewer or septic infrastructure for commercial uses.
Planning and Zoning had recommended denial by an 8‑1 vote, citing the area was not yet ready for additional commercial development. The applicant and several supporters noted 33 letters of support and argued the site's longtime commercial use and the presence of a nearby college make neighborhood‑serving businesses appropriate.
Supervisor Miller, who moved approval, emphasized property‑rights principles and a view that the area is evolving: "As neighborhoods grow, services follow," he said during deliberations. The board approved the rezoning with one stipulation; the motion carried despite at least one recorded dissenting vote.
The rezoning clears the way for the applicant to pursue site‑specific approvals required under county code, including traffic impact analysis, drainage reports and building permits. County staff said any future development would be subject to those reviews and conditions to address traffic, drainage, lighting and other neighborhood impacts.
The board's decision was the most substantial land‑use action on the agenda; further permitting steps and any site plan conditions will be handled administratively or on future agendas.
