Board of Supervisors Meeting Today...

Well, I was told that the 'marix' would be taken off the agenda -- but it wasn't. I had to scramble down to the meeting and there were plenty of people there for and against the 'matrix' to my surprise.

I think we are in for a fight on this one. I saw many of the same anti-growth people in attendance who spoke in favor of the 'matrix' that I've seen speak out against new developments all over Mohave County. I don't think these people get it, if they get the new matrix passed the threat of more people moving into the area will increase because the matrix, as written, favors large developers who will file public reports with the state of Arizona and go to the county supervisors and get their developments passed.

Allowing land splits the way they are handled today would mean that value of property would continue to rise and if a developer wanted to buy property to develop, they'd have to acquire those properties from many more private holders of property that is increasing in value.

I'll just use the simple example of an owner with 40 acres in an area that is zoned for 10 acre minimum lots. If the matrix is passed and the 40 acre owner cannot split his property into 10 acres because his/her property doesn't have electric service or an agreement with a utility company to provide service at their expense, then chances are that the only entity that would be able to would be large developers. Large developers would then rezone the land for a higher density of residences. Allowing the 40 acre owner to split the property into four parcels and sell them would create four land owners, and the probablility of increased value of property. Now if a developer wants the property in that location they'd have to negotiate with not one owner, but four and would have to shell out more investment.

The choice is clear for those anti growth folks, do you want to see 4 landowners or would you rather see the prospect of 60 to 100 homes being built in the area (or more)??

I've said in the media that this 'matrix' isn't about realtors, it's about private land owners and their rights. This isn't about making money for realtors, it's about the right for a land owner to buy and sell property. During the comments in front of the Supervisors one person said that those people who are against the proposed 'matrix' are only opposed to it because of money. Nope. Opposed to it for private property rights.

The anti-growth faction of this community is unstable and in error on this issue. Many seem as if they want no one else to move into this area. If that is so, they need to buy more property to buffer them from the growth that is coming to Mohave County.