Update on Greer Mountain Village Condominium Proposal

Dear Greer Neighbor,

What: Write your Apache County Public Officials. Attend Apache County Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting.  

Where: Apache County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room in St. Johns.

When: Postponed until February at the earliest!!! Stay tuned.

We are writing to update you on the Greer Mountain Village Condominium Proposal on the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda for discussion and approval on date to be determined.

The proposed development would put 21 homes on two parcels (102.11.013 and 102.11.014) totaling 3.7 acres in the Greer Village.

We now have learned that Greer Commercial Resort zoning was approved by the Board of Supervisors based on only a zoning map that included all properties in Greer. The Summer 2022 hearings at P&Z were so clouded by the Article 6 revisions to the RV matters that the revised zoning map and the changes that were included were not discussed. 

Rezoning Processes Violated: Additionally, these changes occurred without the usual processes required of a rezoning in Greer:

1. The Greer area comprehensive plan was adopted in 2018 after extensive community involvement. The plan was not followed in this case and, to date, has not been amended, as required, to allow rezoning of these parcels.

2. Based on information we have, the GCR rezoning of specific parcel 102.11.014 was completed without notice of rezoning to area neighbors and the broader community.  Rezoning requests are few and far between in Greer and are done so with individual attention, allowing for community awareness and input.

3. The GCR rezoning of parcel 102.11.013 was contrary to staff recommendation in the minutes of the P&Z meeting of December 2021, and action of the Commission at that meeting.  It also occurred without other discussion or hearings specific to this parcel anywhere in the public record until the zoning map was approved in July and August, 2022.  As in #2 above, that is not the way to do rezoning, especially one that leads to a large subdivision in Greer.

4.  The proposed P&Z hearings of December and January 2024-2025 have occurred without a community meeting that has been a customary courtesy to the Greer community many times in the past when there have been controversial development proposals.  Although not required by law, this is an expected and important custom.

5. The December P&Z meeting and hearing (now postponed to January 9) announcement was not available to the public except by a small newspaper ad and sign on the property.  Apache County has a “Public Notice” page on its website that could easily be used for such postings at the same time as nearby neighbors are notified. Also, the agenda to the P&Z meeting was not published until 72 hours prior to the December meeting. Many interested community members need to travel many hours to attend these meetings, and scant available information result in significant impediments to community participation, contrary to the intention of public disclosure requirements.   

These multiple failures to follow required rezoning procedures with attendant public hearings and posting of these specific hearing notices on the Apache County “Public Notice” page   undermine the intent of laws that allow citizens to review and provide input into proposals of land use in their communities and neighborhoods.

Adverse Neighborhood Impacts: Beyond the questionable due process, there are obvious concerns and questions about the negative effects that such a development will have on the quality of life in Greer. For example, increased noise, traffic congestion, parking issues, sustainable water use, impacts on existing infrastructure, and the probability that many of the units will become short-term rentals.

After discussion with multiple neighbors to the applicant properties and members of the broader Greer community, the lack of transparency and community notification is a major concern. This proposal of a large subdivision is a rare occurrence in Greer and requires careful review.  This matter has been under discussion for many months between the applicant and county officials. However, neighbors within 300 feet have not been given adequate information or time to respond.

We encourage Greer neighbors to write Apache County officials and attend the Apache County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting DATE & TIME TO BE NAMED LATER in St. Johns.

Send your letter to the following emails:

1.     Matthew Fish; Director Apache County Community Development;  mfish@co.apache.az.us

2.     Nelson Davis; Apache Co.District III Supervisor; NDavis@co.apache.az.us

3.     Ryan Patterson; Apache County Manager; rpatterson@apachecountyaz.gov

4.     Dan Muth; Chairman Apache Co. Planning and Zoning Commission; dan.muth@dmjmpls.com

5.     Bob Pollock; Planning and Zoning Commissioner; Greer area; bobpollock@frontiernet.net

6.     Apache County Attorney: Attorneysgroup@apachecountyaz.gov

We will continue to monitor these matters and update you as needed.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and respect for the Greer community.

Sincerely,

Greer Coalition Inc.