edward
11-14-2007, 07:57 PM
Pinal County Update
Nov 14, 2007
Ed O’Brien VP Arizona State Horsemen’s Association
Publisher All About Horses.com
A total of 250 Equestrians attended two public meetings that were held October 19 and 25 at Pinal County facilities in Florence. Equestrians at the 1st session filled the room to standing room only, spilled out in the hall and overflowed outside. It was impressive. The 2nd meeting was not as well attended but the room was full. It was estimated that more than 75 concerned rural property owners spoke about preserving their lifestyle, asked questions and made many suggestions. Several quoted specific articles of the Zoning ordinance that were either unreasonable or contradictory. Setbacks, arena lighting, commercial zoning, zoning changes and a host of others were presented. To date nothing has changed except those I noted in my article in the October issue.
By now you are probably saying Wow this was great, they will have to make some changes. We demonstrated that we are a force to be reckoned with, right? The answer is yes, no and maybe. But, before we get too confident and lapse into complacency we must review what we learned, what happened and where we go from here.
In my October article, I reported that P & Z Ordinances were revised to eliminate the limitations on numbers of livestock in rural zones (above 2 acres). As a result, some horsemen feel that now “all is well.” They wonder why all the fuss? Their lifestyle is protected and they can remain or return to being complacent. This is a serious misjudgment.
There are two major issues, which require our collective attention. The first, our short-term goal, is to affect favorable change on all ordinances that discriminate against horse owners and the rural lifestyle. For example: limits on livestock on less than 2 acres, lighting and trailer parking limitations and 50’ building setbacks that unnecessarily reduce usability. Our second goal is to secure permanent protection for our Rural/Equestrian Lifestyle. If we fail to accomplish this goal then it’s just a matter of time until our lifestyle is history.
This is why! In the New P & Z under article 7 it states:
“702.2 The Planning Commission on its own motion may propose a rezoning.”
“702.3 A property owner or authorized agent of a property owner may propose a rezoning through the application process.”
What will happen in this county if property owners or P & Z (or developer influence) can change their zoning? (And don’t let the word “propose” lead you to think that it won’t happen). County islands, Annexation, and CCR’s that eliminate or block equestrian access will destroy the rural life style. With the expected growth in population in this state, it will only take 22 years. By 2030 the horse world will be turned upside down unless we do something about it now.
Several months ago Pinal County hired a private consulting company to help them develop a New Comprehensive Plan. Public meetings and workshops were conducted and participants were solicited for their input regarding the county’s growth and progress. To date, they have had input from “thousands” of residents. The bad news is the Equestrian community was not notified, nor were we informed about these meetings. Therefore, all input to date has been from city folks.
Now, here’s the good news. The consulting company has asked The Arizona State Horsemen’s Association to compile a list of Equestrians who are interested in and would like to participate in the process. Meetings for Equestrians will be scheduled in January 2008. (See below) This presents us with a unique opportunity to participate in our own destiny. And if we are united, organized and meet in large numbers we will be successful.
Are you willing to make a difference?
The opportunity is here, the time is now.
1) Join-Support The Arizona State Horsemen’s Association. Download applications at azasha.com or email your address to info@allabouthorses.com Researchers and representatives are needed for counties and cities. Make a difference.
2) Make attendance at meetings your #1 priority. Numbers count. 250 people is not enough for an entire county. If a small town in Connecticut can get 750 at a meeting, then Pinal County should have at least 1000.
3) Add your name to the list to be involved in and/or attend Comprehensive Planning sessions beginning in January. Email info@allabouthorses.com Include your name, address, email, and cell phone.
4) For the latest news on what is happening in Pinal County, go to the Pinal County forum at allabouthorses.com/forums Post your comments, research and opinions so we have them for the record.
5) Post your comments & opinions (keep it positive) on the Pinal County website at http://co.pinal.az.us/PlanDev/ZoningOrdinance/Index.asp
6) Sign up for the Comprehensive Plan eNewsletter at the consulting firm’s website: www.PinalCountyPlan.com.
7) Get your equestrian friends and neighbors involved.
8) Arm yourself with the facts. Do not rely on hearsay. Educate yourself, do the research.
9) Stay positive. Nothing is Impossible. Others have succeeded in the same situation, we will too if we all make the effort and stay passionate and proactive.
If you have questions, you may contact me at info@allabouthorses.com
Nov 14, 2007
Ed O’Brien VP Arizona State Horsemen’s Association
Publisher All About Horses.com
A total of 250 Equestrians attended two public meetings that were held October 19 and 25 at Pinal County facilities in Florence. Equestrians at the 1st session filled the room to standing room only, spilled out in the hall and overflowed outside. It was impressive. The 2nd meeting was not as well attended but the room was full. It was estimated that more than 75 concerned rural property owners spoke about preserving their lifestyle, asked questions and made many suggestions. Several quoted specific articles of the Zoning ordinance that were either unreasonable or contradictory. Setbacks, arena lighting, commercial zoning, zoning changes and a host of others were presented. To date nothing has changed except those I noted in my article in the October issue.
By now you are probably saying Wow this was great, they will have to make some changes. We demonstrated that we are a force to be reckoned with, right? The answer is yes, no and maybe. But, before we get too confident and lapse into complacency we must review what we learned, what happened and where we go from here.
In my October article, I reported that P & Z Ordinances were revised to eliminate the limitations on numbers of livestock in rural zones (above 2 acres). As a result, some horsemen feel that now “all is well.” They wonder why all the fuss? Their lifestyle is protected and they can remain or return to being complacent. This is a serious misjudgment.
There are two major issues, which require our collective attention. The first, our short-term goal, is to affect favorable change on all ordinances that discriminate against horse owners and the rural lifestyle. For example: limits on livestock on less than 2 acres, lighting and trailer parking limitations and 50’ building setbacks that unnecessarily reduce usability. Our second goal is to secure permanent protection for our Rural/Equestrian Lifestyle. If we fail to accomplish this goal then it’s just a matter of time until our lifestyle is history.
This is why! In the New P & Z under article 7 it states:
“702.2 The Planning Commission on its own motion may propose a rezoning.”
“702.3 A property owner or authorized agent of a property owner may propose a rezoning through the application process.”
What will happen in this county if property owners or P & Z (or developer influence) can change their zoning? (And don’t let the word “propose” lead you to think that it won’t happen). County islands, Annexation, and CCR’s that eliminate or block equestrian access will destroy the rural life style. With the expected growth in population in this state, it will only take 22 years. By 2030 the horse world will be turned upside down unless we do something about it now.
Several months ago Pinal County hired a private consulting company to help them develop a New Comprehensive Plan. Public meetings and workshops were conducted and participants were solicited for their input regarding the county’s growth and progress. To date, they have had input from “thousands” of residents. The bad news is the Equestrian community was not notified, nor were we informed about these meetings. Therefore, all input to date has been from city folks.
Now, here’s the good news. The consulting company has asked The Arizona State Horsemen’s Association to compile a list of Equestrians who are interested in and would like to participate in the process. Meetings for Equestrians will be scheduled in January 2008. (See below) This presents us with a unique opportunity to participate in our own destiny. And if we are united, organized and meet in large numbers we will be successful.
Are you willing to make a difference?
The opportunity is here, the time is now.
1) Join-Support The Arizona State Horsemen’s Association. Download applications at azasha.com or email your address to info@allabouthorses.com Researchers and representatives are needed for counties and cities. Make a difference.
2) Make attendance at meetings your #1 priority. Numbers count. 250 people is not enough for an entire county. If a small town in Connecticut can get 750 at a meeting, then Pinal County should have at least 1000.
3) Add your name to the list to be involved in and/or attend Comprehensive Planning sessions beginning in January. Email info@allabouthorses.com Include your name, address, email, and cell phone.
4) For the latest news on what is happening in Pinal County, go to the Pinal County forum at allabouthorses.com/forums Post your comments, research and opinions so we have them for the record.
5) Post your comments & opinions (keep it positive) on the Pinal County website at http://co.pinal.az.us/PlanDev/ZoningOrdinance/Index.asp
6) Sign up for the Comprehensive Plan eNewsletter at the consulting firm’s website: www.PinalCountyPlan.com.
7) Get your equestrian friends and neighbors involved.
8) Arm yourself with the facts. Do not rely on hearsay. Educate yourself, do the research.
9) Stay positive. Nothing is Impossible. Others have succeeded in the same situation, we will too if we all make the effort and stay passionate and proactive.
If you have questions, you may contact me at info@allabouthorses.com