Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission Regular Meeting - January 15, 2025

The Eloy Planning & Zoning Commission met on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:01 p.m. at Eloy City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a continuance on a sign package, a public hearing and recommendation for a data center rezoning, a presentation on the Airport Master Plan update, and informational updates.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the December 18, 2024, meeting minutes. Commissioner Edwards added a clarification regarding his earlier vote on the Poblano Solar case (RZPAD2024-004), explaining he voted no because the project was too close to residences in Arizona City.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sonoran Crossing (RZPAD2024-006): Kirk McCartell, representing property owners Brian Rhodes and Jake Roberts, expressed support for the data center rezoning. He noted that the current agricultural use consumes approximately 5 acre-feet of water per acre annually, and the proposed data center is expected to use less water.

Discussion Items

• Case CSP2024-001 – Exceptional Health Care Hospital Sign Package: The applicant requested a continuance due to a design change for the freeway pylon sign. The commission unanimously voted to continue the case to a later date.
• Case RZPAD2024-006 – Sonoran Crossing (Data Center Rezone): A public hearing was held for a request to rezone approximately 122 acres at the southwest corner of West Houser Road and North Estrella Road from General Industrial (I-2) to I-2 with a Planned Area Development (PAD) overlay. The applicant, represented by Carolyn Oberholtzer, proposed a data center complex with three buildings of about 275,000 square feet each, an 80-foot building height, and a closed-loop freon cooling system to minimize water use. The development includes 23 stipulations, including a water cap of 250,000 gallons per day annual average (with a peak of 875,000 gallons per day). Commissioner Edwards questioned the actual water consumption for heat rejection in summer months, but the applicant stated actual usage would likely be a fraction of the cap. After the hearing, the commission voted 3-1 to recommend approval to the City Council. Vice Chair Conrad Tolton voted no due to concerns about water usage; Commissioner Edwards (Joseda) and Commissioners Poulson and Crawford voted aye.
• Airport Master Plan Update (Non-Action): Matt Quick of Kaufman Associates presented the draft Airport Master Plan update for the Eloy Municipal Airport. Key points included:
  • Current based aircraft: 42; annual operations: 30,000. Forecasted to 70 based aircraft and 43,000 operations by 2045.
  • Future critical design aircraft: Cessna Citation (mid-size business jet).
  • Recommended development concept: runway extension from 3,900 to 5,500 feet, taxiway improvements, automated weather observation system, and additional hangar development.
  • Capital Improvement Program total: $33.5 million, with up to 95% eligible for FAA and ADOT grant funding. Local share primarily for hangar development.
  • Next steps: City Council adoption expected in February 2025, followed by FAA approval of the Airport Layout Plan. No commission action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the December 18, 2024, meeting minutes.
• Continued the Exceptional Health Care Hospital sign package (CSP2024-001) to a later date by unanimous vote.
• Recommended approval of the Sonoran Crossing rezoning (RZPAD2024-006) to the Eloy City Council by a vote of 3-1.
• No action on the Airport Master Plan update; the plan will proceed to City Council.
• Informational items: Commissioner reported that the Poblano Solar case was tabled at City Council. Dan Seimer, Community Development Director, announced that a contract has been approved with Logan Simpson to begin a comprehensive General Plan update (scheduled for completion by June 2026), and an RFQ for the Air Park Master Plan has been issued. He also noted that the February 2025 meeting may be canceled, with new Planning Commission appointments expected in March.