Staff report
The Town of Edgewood Planning and Zoning Commissioners are set to hold another hearing regarding the proposed Campbell Ranch development on May 15 at 6 p.m. in the town’s commission chambers. This hearing follows a series of decisions and reversals regarding the large-scale development.
The proposed Campbell Ranch development encompasses over 8,000 acres along Highway 14, land annexed by the town in 1999. The development plan includes over 4,000 new homes and two golf courses in the East Mountains area.
In November, the P&Z Commission approved the subdivision 3-2, but multiple appeals were filed in December. In March, the Edgewood Town Commissioners unanimously voted to send the application back to the P&Z Commission.
Dennis Kellogg, board president of the East Mountains Protection Action Coalition (EMPAC), attributed the decision to community opposition and missing information in the application.
“We feel that the presence of so many community residents opposing the development and the commissioners realizing there was important information missing from the application were huge factors in the decision to remand,” Kellogg said.
A central point of contention is the ordinance being used for the development. Appellants argue the town should be using the 2019 ordinance, which requires water rights for subdivisions. The town and Campbell Ranch are referencing the 1999R ordinance, which allows minor subdivisions without water rights.
“We understand their motivation; it’s a way for Campbell Ranch and Edgewood to exclude a vital component,” Kellogg said. “Regardless of the ordinance, there is a huge water issue.”
EMPAC pointed out at the March meeting that the proof of water requirements and other stipulated conditions should be reviewed before any other Campbell Ranch project decision is made.
In March, Edgewood commissioners agreed with EMPAC that this case needs extensive review and intends to offer the community clarity and fairness.
“We want to make sure that this is a completely open and transparent process and that the rules are followed and are fully explained,” Edgewood Mayor Ken Brennan said.