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Resolution may be near for Pinal land stretch
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Differences over planning and land use for a 10- square-mile stretch of state trust land in Pinal County could be headed for a resolution.
The Mesa City Council approved cooperating with neighboring Queen Creek and Apache Junction in crafting a memorandum of understanding for the Superstition Vistas region in the East Valley, near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
That way all three cities will have a say in the future planning for the area, said Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker.
At a council meeting Thursday, Hawker said Mesa had previously opposed Apache Junction’s attempt to place water and sewage treatment plants in that area. Queen Creek, he noted, has incorporated half of the 10 square miles in its master plan. The land stretch is also part of Mesa’s planning area.
“I'm recommending that the city does step back, work with the other communities but hopefully protect our interests by making sure that the land-use is compatible,” Hawker said.
The message in the proposal would be clear.
“Don't mess with us, we won't mess with you,” Hawker said.
The outgoing mayor also proposed that the incoming city council work toward an agreement with the two cities on an economic benefits arrangement for retail development close to the area freeways.
“So there isn't a sales tax war going on who'll give away the most for car dealerships or a regional mall,” Hawker said.
The council would consider removing the land tract from its planning area in a meeting later this month.
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