It is so important for our community to come together and let your voice be heard.
Sandy: Hi to our readers! We are back with Ted Gambogi and Terry Sapio and, oh yeah, my wingman, Tom, to continue our conversation about the Prescott General Plan.
Tom: Such a comprehensive topic. Last time we spoke, Terry, you were telling folks how to get involved with the process.
Terry: Yes, very important. The website is www.planprescott.com and we really encourage everyone, resident of Prescott or not, to learn more.
Ted: Yes, and most importantly, to leave your comments about every element in the plan.
Sandy: Good, sage advice as they say, Ted. Comments are important, positive and/or negative. Let’s bring our readers up to speed here regarding the elements of the plan. What are they?
Terry: The State of Arizona dictates the elements we need to address based on population. Since Prescott’s 2020 census states we had a population of 45,827 souls, we are under 50,000 people.
Ted: That puts us into a category that dictates that we address seven elements or topics in our General Plan.
Tom: I went to the website, because you told me to, and here is the list of the elements that must be in our General Plan: Land Use, Circulation/Transportation, Open Space, Identify Growth Areas, Environmental Planning, Plan/Policy for Public Service Benefits from new Development, and Water Resources.
Sandy: That’s a lot of topics that require input and they cover even more ground. The website offers several opportunities to contribute and even has an open comment section in the “Contact” area.
Terry: We really hope to get a diverse response that will help develop a good plan.
Tom: Has the response been diverse to date?
Ted: Not as much as we would like. We hear from some of the same interest groups several times.
Sandy: By doing that, are these groups more likely to influence the direction and outcome of the plan?
Terry: The jury is still out on that. Suffice to say that is a possibility, which is why we are encouraging people to go to the website, fill out the questionnaires and leave us comments.
Ted: We are really hoping this doesn’t become an anonymous social issue dumping ground like so much of our social media. Real people leaving real, thoughtful comments are what will make this process work.
Sandy: That is too true! When I went to the website, I noticed that the 2015 General Plan was there. What a great resource that was for referencing what was done 10 years ago. I am impressed with how that plan has shaped our community.
Tom: A great observation, Sandy. Too many people believe that these plans and their opinions don’t matter, “The powers that be will do what they want anyway.”
Ted: You are probably right, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Back in 2015, people made a difference, and they will now as well.
Sandy: Of the topics, or elements, in the plan, are some weighed differently than others?
Terry: Each of the elements is so intertwined with the others that you can’t engage one element without affecting another.
Ted: An example of that is Land Use and Circulation. Depending on how the land is used, such as residential, commercial or open space, the circulation plan will be affected. The plan is truly a comprehensive look at our community and all its facets.
Sandy: Identifying Growth Areas addresses a variety of uses, not just residential. As the rooftops multiply, so does the need for support services such as police, fire and one of my favorites, shopping!
Tom: It seems that the major growth areas are trending north of town. Does the early work on the plan reflect that?
Terry: Well, the plan is not written yet, so the short answer is there is no plan to reflect that yet. That being said, recent growth demonstrates that area as needing attention.
Ted: People must understand that new construction is not the only way Prescott grows. Annexation plays a significant role as well.
Sandy: One look at the History of Annexation map on the website will tell a person all they need to know.
Ted: Prescott is not going to grow to the south and largely not to the west either. The National Forest makes for a very pleasant barrier.
Terry: Growth to the east is largely limited by our neighbor, Prescott Valley. Which is why we advocate that people from all over our area contribute to the plan.
Sandy: Our communities are so interconnected, having input from all over is a must.
Tom: There are so many places that our borders touch. Residential development, as was stated earlier, will define where commercial development should take place.
Terry: Exactly. Looking at that very issue, you can see how residential development leads to looking at commercial development, which leads us to where the roads go, which takes us to the environmental impacts.
Ted: Which takes us to the public services that will be needed and how that development can support those services, to how we protect our water resources and define areas we want to remain as open space.
Sandy: I think most of us have a fleeting understanding of the mutual dependence we have on each of these elements and each other. I know that you have been receiving input from people who live in Prescott Valley and Yavapai County. I think the outreach you are doing is great and I hope the plan is better for it.
Tom: It would be smart to review once again what the process is going forward.
Ted: This year, 2023, is when we gather public input. Meetings, outreach, comments and workshops are all part of that. Next year, 2024, is when staff takes all the collected comments and writes a draft of the plan. The committee reviews that draft and revises if necessary, including legal review.
Terry: Once that is completed in 2024, the plan is submitted to council in 2025 for adoption and to put the plan initiative on the ballot for voters to decide.
Tom: This effort will be worth it only if you hear from as many people as possible, so readers, once again, go to www.planprescott.com and let the committee know your thoughts.
Sandy: It is so important for our community to come together and let your voice be heard.
Sandy: Terry and Ted, thanks for sharing this valuable information with our readers. Your hard work on the General Plan Committee is appreciated. QCBN
Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association, 928-778-0040.
Tom Reilly, Architect,
Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7 a.m. on KQNA 1130 AM/99.9 FM/95.5FM or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.
