11/12/2005 8:12:00 AM Residents express displeasure with plans
Courier/Nathaniel Kastelic
Public Works Director for Yavapai County Phil Bourdon, left, speaks with residents who will feel the affects of the Williamson Valley Road widening project Thursday evening at the Yavapai County Administration building in Prescott.
By PAULA RHODEN The Daily Courier
Residents from the Williamson Valley area were disappointed and upset Thursday evening when District 1 Supervisor Carol Springer said she would not return to the Board of Supervisors and stop plans to widen Williamson Valley Road.
More than 300 residents attended a public hearing at the county administrative services building to voice their opinion about the widening project. The majority of those at the meeting opposed to the project, although a handful of people supported it.
After a brief history of the project, design concerns and a lengthy question-and-answer period, residents reacted negatively when Springer said she still believes widening the road to five lanes – two directional lanes north and south, and a continuous turn lane – was the safest solution to handling current and future traffic counts. The supervisor said the widening of Williamson Valley Road is part of the Yavapai County General Plan adopted in 2003.
For more than two hours, residents voiced their concerns about the widening project and asked county officials to take a “step back” and consider options. The residents suggested the county work on improving Highway 89 and build additional east/west connector roads before any work starts on Williamson Valley Road.
Two long-time residents stand on opposite sides of the proposal.
Virginia Debroy has lived in Williamson Valley for 30 years. She is a real estate agent and said taking property to widen the road would decrease those properties, “ultimately resulting in rezoning as commercial property like what happened on Willow Creek.”
Bill Cheek, a 17-year resident, said he originally opposed the widening project, but then a driver rear-ended his wife Oct. 31 while she was trying to make a left-hand turn. She is still in the hospital.
“Her accident changed my mind. We are not a country road anymore. We need a safer road,” he said.
Public Works Director Phil Bourdon said the county has completed adequate studies and examined suggestions for a feasibility study. He said Williamson Valley Road is part of the regional road network. He encouraged residents to attend the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO) hearings next week,which would be an opportunity for residents to express their opinions on current and future road needs.
County officials presented information indicating that construction on Phase 2 of the project, from Pioneer Parkway to Outer Loop Road, would take place between 2007 and 2010.
Residents wondered why officials were fast-tracking a widening project that no one in the community wants.
Bob Igo noted that, “if people wanted this road widened, this room and the lobby would be empty.”
Sondra Hale, who was representing the Yavapai Horsemen’s Association, said the group has two concerns.
“A wider road takes longer to cross and a wider road means people will drive faster and take longer to stop,” Hale said.
Luke Smith supports expanding Williamson Valley Road to five lanes. He said the road is not adequate for evacuation in an emergency.
Eric Lee, who presented the county officials with a list of questions, asked about the effect the road widening would have on the quality of well water, the impact on horses that require quiet surroundings, the total amount of acreage the county would be taking from property owners, what the county intends to pay per acre, where the money is coming from, and who will pay to move fences.
Bourdon said the county always has paid to move fences and it pays fair market value for property.
Jim Arthur noted that county officials have said informational presentations have been happening for years, however, most people in the area work and “This is the first opportunity I have had to attend a meeting. At first I thought a five-lane road would be a positive thing, but due to the nature of the area, I have changed my mind.”
The residents believe officials should improve Highway 89 first and then the county would have a real idea of the amount of traffic on Williamson Valley Road.
Assistant Public Works Director Mike Willett said the county is working very hard to improve Highway 89.
Bourdon said that when officials look at the amount of growth in the area it would be necessary to widen both roads for traffic control.
Williamson Valley Corridor Plan Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Ken Mino said the CYMPO study shows the entire regional road network is failing. He said the situtation requires professional expertise and a professional planner.
Marion Bigelow said he has lived in the area since 1958. He said he knows what was there then and what is there now, “and it is very scary. Everyone here tonight plans to stay here. So, let’s build a highway that supports where we want to go. I strongly support this project.”
Mary Ann Littell said there is a difference between making a motion and hiring someone to widen the road.
“I will be adding this to the list of (alleged) open meeting violations I have sent to the Attorney General’s office,” Littell said.
Williamson Valley Residents for Responsible Growth co-founder Georgene Lockwood said she wanted to make it clear the group is not against improvements to the road, but are advocating responsible design. Lockwood said when she looked at the design consideration, it was apparent that several issues were missing, including light, noise, water and pollution, the environmental impact, quality of life, and wildlife.
Willett asked people not to look at the road as it is now but what it will be in five to 10 years when the undeveloped land is developed.
Springer said a number of issues remain, but the supervisors already have taken some votes.
