SAFFORD — A zoning change that would allow for development of 11 new warehouse buildings was approved by the Graham County Board of Supervisors on Monday.
The request to change from general (A) zoning to commercial manufacturing (C-M) was made by Ronald and Janice Howard, the owners of three parcels of land on or near West Safford Bryce Road, near the Hubbard Cemetery Road intersections.
The plan is to put five warehouses and/or lay-down yards on the largest parcel (5.76 acres), with three each on the other two parcels, which are located on both the north and south of West Safford Bryce Road.
At the first public hearing, the Graham County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with the stipulation that, if the owners changed plans from warehousing to manufacturing, the zoning be revisited.
“Right now, we want to leave that open, to tell you the truth,” said Jim Bryce, representing the Howards. “We want to be able to manufacture, if that’s what the most appropriate thing (is). And we don’t want to be restricted that we can’t do it, because who knows, you know?”
Supervisor Paul David questioned if there was a need for a traffic study, given that the parcels are located on a curve, and sightlines can be restricted. Staff said it could do a traffic count, which would determine if a full traffic study is warranted.
“I think it’s a great place to do what they’re wanting to do,” said Supervisor Clay Mack. “There’s definitely a huge need for it in the Valley.”
Also at Monday’s meeting, the supervisors unanimously approved the zoning change of 10 parcels at Highway 191 and Concho Street, from either neighborhood (C-N) and residential site-built (R-SB) to commercial manufacturing (C-M).
Morgan Broderick plans to combine the parcels and develop climate-controlled self-storage, similar to his previously approved development near Fertizona.
