The New Year is already a month gone, and with it came the announcement that Arizona is the fastest growing state in the United States. While Cochise County is not the fastest growing county in Arizona, it is experiencing its share of growth. Per Census data and Arizona Department of Economic Development population projections the County had a population of 117,755 people in 2000 and the population is estimated to be 135,050 in 2006 and increase of 17,295 people or almost 15%. Because of the attractive employment center represented by Fort Huachuca, proximity to Tucson and a pleasant climate that attracts retirees, people will continue to choose Cochise County for their new home.

This population growth must be accommodated somewhere. Some new residents will relocate to the County's cities and towns. Some will build homes on 4-acre lots splits and some will be accommodated on recently rezoned property or proposed or approved subdivisions. But some will result in proposals for new development for higher density: more houses on less land. Clearly with the 2-1 defeat of the Smith Ranch master development plan, the citizens of Cochise County have announced loud and clear "what they don't like." The question remains as to "what they do like." What type of development can be incorporated gracefully into the existing rural landscape so that future neighbors are welcomed and can enjoy the amenities this County offers? The answer to this question is key to the future of the County. It is not a question that the Planning Department can answer alone, thus one of our important goals for 2007 is to develop effective methods to partner with the citizens of the County. We need to solicit your input to answer regional growth questions. Working together, we can welcome newcomers as neighbors and not greet them with "Not in My Backyard". Your ideas on how to accomplish this goal are welcomed.

Tentative Planning Commission Agenda:

(EARLIER TIME) 4:00 p.m. February, 14, 2007

CP-07-01/Z-07-03: Amend Comprehensive Plan and rezone from TR-9 (transitional-residential, minimum lot size 9000 square feet) to General Business for an existing towing business at 1812 E. 24th Street near Douglas.

Z-07-04: Downzone 39 acres from RU-4 (Rural, minimum lot size 4-acres) to RU-36 (minimum lot size 36 acres) for a home northeast of Douglas accessing from N. Hidden Oaks Trail via Montelena.

Z-07-06: Rezone 307 acres from RU-4 to MR-1 (Multiple-household residential) for a maximum 800 lots south of Treasure Road, west of Highway 191 in Sunsites.

Z-07-07: Rezone approximately 15 acres from RU-4 to General Business for an RV/mini-storage facility on W. Titan Drive about 1 mile west of Highway 90 on the south side of I-10.

SU-07-06: Special use for a private low-density residential aviation subdivision at the southeast corner of Highway 191 and Birch Road north of Sunsites.

SU-07-04: Modification of an approved special use for a private air strip to add 3 to 5 RV spaces for guests north of Arzberger Road on S. Lucky Lane 2 miles east of Kansas Settlement Road.

SU-07-05: Modification of an approved special use for an RV park to allow a 2nd sign and to add up to 5 additional RV spaces on Double Adobe Road.

We want to hear from you! Cochise County Planning Department, 1415 Melody Lane, Bisbee, Arizona 85603. Phone: (520) 432-9240 or toll free 877-777-7958. Email: janderson@co.cochise.az.us Webpage: www.cochisecounty.com.