The Cave Creek Town Council approved the rezoning of more than 400 acres of land designated for open space within the town limits at its meeting on Oct. 6.
The town, along with the Desert Foothills Land Trust, owned five parcels of property that were either given to the town through agreements with developments or gifted to the town.
According to Development Services Director Luke Kautzman, it took time to bring all these rezoning requests together.
“This is our opportunity to come through and kind of clean up our roles,” Kautzman said.
Kautzman discussed how important the open space is to the town.
“In our general plan it talks about open space,” Kautzman said. “Obviously the objective of open space is to enhance the livability, character and appreciation of the Cave Creek community by preserving as many of its natural characteristics as possible within the town of Cave Creek. These amenities help reflect the livability and character of the town.”
The five parcels of land included: Saguaro Hills, near the Desert Foothills Library; the Rosenus Parcel located near Cahava Springs; the Cahava Springs Tract Parcels; the PA Seitts Preserve near Cave Creek Regional Park; and the DFLT Black Mountain Preserve Parcel.
“So with the Rosenus parcel and the Black Mountain preserve parcel, those are a little bit different in that the underlying land use as identified in the general plan is still a residential category, whereas the PA Seitts, Cahava Springs, and Saguaro Hills are already identified in our general plan as open space, but the zoning is still residential,” Kautzman said. “So, what we’re asking council to consider is two general plan land use amendments in addition to the five zone change requirements.”
Council member Cynthia Driskell asked Kautzman if there had been any opposition to the rezoning requests for the parcels of land in question.
“No, just more of anytime you see a big sign that says zoning hearing, you get a few people that say ‘What is this?’” Kautzman said. “And it’s always nice to kind of talk shop and talk zoning with people that really otherwise don’t understand.
“Just a few curious people calling and seeing exactly what we’re doing,” Kautzman added. “We had one person misread the sign and say you’re rezoning it from open space to residential. We’re like, ‘no turn your glasses upside down.’ It’s the other way around.”
In approving all seven motions required for the parcels, Driskell commented on the process Kautzman and his staff took to get to finish line.
“It’s been a very good process,” Driskell said. “I did listen in to one of the planning commission meetings, and it’s been thoroughly thought out and a good action on behalf of the town. I’m in favor.”
For two of the five parcels, Kautzamn will have to return to the council on Oct. 20 to obtain final approval, but residents have 30 days to file a referendum to the council's decision.
Meet Jeff Jeff Wendt started at Independent Newsmedia in January 2023, after 25 years working for Gannett and The Arizona Republic. Started as a high school sports scoretaker, worked up to reporting high school sports and then became an associate high school sports editor in 2002. Also worked in the Design Studio as a copy editor.
Community: Jeff serves on the Board of Elders at his local church.
Education: Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
Random fact: Attended Game 2 of the 2001 World Series.
Hobbies: Playing video games (yes still the kid in me), watching reality TV, playing poker.
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