Council flags broad language in Desert Patrol development agreement

The Versian Town Council on Feb. 11 reviewed a draft development agreement for a parcel owned by Desert Patrol LLC at SR9 and Cheap Ridge Road and identified language councilors said could permit broader uses than intended.

Town Manager Mr. B told the council the north half of the parcel had been rezoned to commercial and the south half designated rural residential; councilors had directed the town attorney to draft a development agreement. He said paragraphs three and four are the substantive sections and are before the council for review.

Several council members raised concerns that one sentence in paragraph three and the following phrasing could be read to allow "any use in any zone," potentially enabling uses beyond the south half's intended rural-residential purpose. "I would argue I would not agree with this development here," one council member said, urging that the sentence be removed or narrowed.

Members asked staff to ask the attorney to remove or rewrite the problematic sentences and to return corrected language for the regular meeting agenda next week. Councilors contrasted the current draft with a plan-unit (PUD) approach, noting PUDs typically show proposed uses and maps up front and give the public clarity about future development.

Town Manager Mr. B said staff would report the council's direction to the attorney and anticipated revised language before the formal vote. No formal motion or vote on the agreement was taken at the work meeting.

The council indicated it may pull the item from next week's agenda if further negotiation with the developer or attorney is necessary. The matter will return to the council with redlined language and staff recommendations before any binding action.