August 8, 2006

The city of Goodyear Tuesday announced a plan that will extend its southern border down to Mobile and nearly quadruple its population.

The southwest Valley community has expanded its General Plan area by 70 percent to include about 61,000 acres. The 95-square mile area is bordered by Patterson Road to the north, State Route 238 to the south, the Sonoran National Desert Monument to the west, and the Maricopa/Pinal County line along the east edge.

Harvey Krauss, community development director, said more than half of the so-called Sonoran Valley land will remain open space, under control of the U.S. Bureau and Land Management.

"The move is in response to Elliott Homes and Montage Holdings plans calling for two master-planned communities in the area," Krauss told The Business Journal. "We wanted to make sure that we protect the interests of Estrella Mountain Ranch by ensuring quality development and infrastructure to the south of our planning area."

Goodyear's current population is estimated at about 49,000 and with the expanded area, the long-range figure could jump to 185,000 people, he said.

Krauss said the new General Plan will be under review through October, with city council action expected in January. In between that time, Elliott Homes and Montage Holdings are expected to request annexation so their projects can access Goodyear city services.

The city also wants to improve the transportation infrastructure to ensure smooth traffic flows in the future.

"We believe eventually the Loop 303 should be extended all the way south to Interstate 8, providing a second access point for Estrella Mountain Ranch residents and to provide better circulation for everyone in that area," said Krauss.

For more: www.ci.goodyear.az.us.