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Somerton board agrees to development deal and accepts 8.68-acre land donation for future campus
Summary
The Somerton board voted to enter a development agreement with the city, Van Verde partners and Yuma Union High School District to ensure donated parcels meet city standards; staff said Van Verde donated an 8.68-acre parcel for a future school campus.
The Somerton Elementary District board voted to enter a development agreement with the city, Van Verde partners and the Yuma Union High School District after staff described a donation of district land intended for future campus development.
Staff explained that Van Verde partners, through Elizabeth Carpenter and David Lou, donated an 8.68-acre parcel (identified in materials as Parcel C) to the district for a future school site. The parcel was described as moved farther from a busy arterial (Avenue E) at the city’s and developer’s recommendation to improve site safety and access near a planned port of entry.
The development agreement is intended to ensure that any future building on donated parcels follows city development standards and obtains required building permits. Staff noted the Yuma Union High School District had already approved its portion of the agreement. A board member moved to enter the development agreement; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Board members expressed gratitude to the donors and asked for a formal acknowledgment to be sent.
Why it matters: Accepting a donated parcel and entering a development agreement advances long-term facilities planning and can accelerate capacity for growth in parts of Somerton seeing new residential and commercial development.
What’s next: Staff will finalize the agreement language and coordinate permitting with the city; the board requested a formal thank-you to the donors and for staff to track related infrastructure and facility planning work.
