KINGMAN – Classic philosophical battles regarding development were illustrated during more than two hours of discussion about Angle Homes proposals during the Nov. 13 meeting of the Mohave County Planning and Zoning Commission.
While the Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) development opposition syndrome has saturated county commission and Board of Supervisor (BOS) meetings for many months, largely associated with utility projects from Mohave Valley to the Peacock Mountains northeast of Kingman, the latest controversy is focused on home building endeavors.
Though heavily opposed, both Angle Homes projects advance to the Dec. 2 BOS meeting with Commission recommended approvals.
The Commission signaled thumbs up for rezoning and a preliminary plat for the Bull Mountain Acres subdivision beyond Fountain Hills road north of Kingman. The plat involves 69 lots over 88 acres while 150 units over the total 200 acres are contemplated through the rezone.
Company President Tyler Angle said much higher residential development density had been contemplated and is permissible, but that principals have instead shifted to minimum one-acre lot strategy that he said has worked well with other Kingman area Angle Home initiatives.
The Commission also favors rezoning that would allow no more than 550 dwelling units over 320 acres, mostly quarter-acre and half-acre lots, for an unnamed subdivision south of Southern Avenue and east of Cherokee Street. Residents of the Rancho Santa Fe community expressed vigorous opposition to the project that is partially in the Kingman City limits and also in unincorporated Mohave County.
Typical NIMBY concerns expressed for both developments include traffic and public safety and water adequacy. Lack of sufficient infrastructure and utility accommodations also weigh heavy in the opposition camp.
Angle Homes representatives noted that zoning is just an initial step toward progress, and that a great deal of scrutiny will apply to opposition issues during ongoing stewardship and oversight by a number of city, county and state regulatory commissions and bodies as additional permits and approvals will be sought in the months and years ahead.
Many opponents noted they relocated to enjoy peace and a rural lifestyle and a promise of unobstructed views of the Hualapai foothills and mountains. Many expressed their dreams of quiet retirement will be shattered by nightmarish consequences of development.
Angle Homes agent/applicant Kathy Tackett-Hicks expressed dismay regarding view protection promises she said should never have been proffered.
“There is never a guarantee that something can’t be built or developed,” Tackett-Hicks said. “Private property can always be developed.”
Commissoner Rex Ruge added that Angle Homes has property rights too.
“They’re the ones who spent the money on that land. They have the right to develop it,” Ruge said. “Anybody on this side of town who doesn’t think there’s going to be more development on that side of town, you’re going to need to change your reality. With the Rancho Santa Fe Parkway and the interchange, that area is going to grow tremendously … This is a lower density than what they could have asked for so I applaud them for not being super greedy.”
Several people said that development of the acreage in question would deny them access to an area they use to recreate and enjoy the outdoors in many ways. Commissioners pushed back, noting that they are trespassing on private property.
Angle Homes Land Development Manager Travin Pennington also noted some open space would be left within the proposed development and that many are working together to connect trails that would serve those living in the area, as well as the general community.
Dave Hawkins
