FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an open house on June 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the NACET Accelerator (2225 N. Gemini Dr.) to answer questions about a proposed major plan amendment to the Flagstaff Regional Plan. The Flagstaff Regional Plan is a policy guide for the City and surrounding areas in Coconino County that addresses a range of topics including land use, transportation, and open space. In response to the 2016 voter initiative, Proposition 413: Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park, the City is initiating a plan amendment to designate McMillan Mesa Natural Area as “Parks/Open Space” and address other changes related to the voters’ decision.
Proposition 413 limits the City’s use of specific City-owned properties on McMillan Mesa to passive recreation, open space, and the future site of the Veterans’ Home on N. Gemini Dr. “The amendment is a step in the process of formalizing the voter initiative in City policy and eventually rezoning the properties to match the intent of the voters. The purpose of the public meeting is to share information with the public and to meet the statutory requirements for the major plan amendment,” said Sara Dechter, Comprehensive Planning Manager. Changing the designation of these properties to “Parks/Open Space” is a major plan amendment that will reduce the size of McMillan Mesa Business Park and limit possible road connectivity across McMillan Mesa.
The open house will be the first time these changes will be presented to the public. Following the public meeting, the plan amendment will be reviewed by the Open Space Commission on June 25 and Transportation Commission on August 1. It will then be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation and City Council for final decision.
For more information on the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/planamendments or contact Sara Dechter at (928) 213-2631.