Airport Stakeholders Raise Concerns About Encroachment

Developers hoping to create a planned community near the Prescott (AZ) Municipal Airport (KPRC) have asked the city of Prescott to rezone a portion of the James Deep Well Ranch due south of the airport.

Airport stakeholders posted a copy of a letter sent to residents living near the planned community detailing their zoning change request. The airport stakeholders say that if the zoning for the "Special Planned Community" is approved, the City and the Airport will no longer be able to control residential communities within the aircraft departure/approach and noise sensitive zones due south of the airport.

Encroachment and noise are two of the factors that have led to the planned closure of the Santa Monica Airport in California, which was there long before most of the houses near the airport were built.

The developers have submitted an amendment to the Airport Specific Area Plan to "bring it into conformance with the voter approved 2015 Prescott General Plan and allow for a mixed-use master planned community with a holistic plan for the long-term protection or airport operations."

The group is holding two open houses to discuss the proposed rezoning. The first will be Thursday, July 15th at 1:00 p.m. at the Prescott Centennial Center, the other will be Tuesday, July 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Prescott City Hall.

FMI: Original Report