La Paz County primed for growth 'explosion'

PARKER - Established in 1983, La Paz County has been largely ignored by major developers over the years.

Bud and Pat Wall, a retired couple in charge of the county's community development department until a permanent director is hired, say those days are long gone.

"The county is on the brink of a huge explosion of growth," said Pat Wall, the former county recorder. "Developers are buying huge tracts of land. They've jumped over the county line from Maricopa (County) and California to find huge tracts of land that is much less expensive."

Although only 5.4 percent of the county is private land, investors are migrating from Maricopa County, Southern California and other areas in hopes of creating large subdivisions and even larger planned communities. There is even some talk about a "new town" that potentially could double the county's current population of 22,000.

County officials last week reported they've had discussions with a Phoenix-area investment group interested in developing a planned community east of Salome with 8,000 new homes and 20,000 people. The proposal has drawn comparisons to Anthem and Verrado, two new planned communities outside of Phoenix.

The investment group reportedly has bought the former K Lazy B Ranch between Salome and Interstate 10. Tom Tierney, the group's senior partner, could not be reached Thursday for comment.

Although such a project could take years to develop, the Walls agree the county would benefit from a well-planned community that includes paved roads, school sites and consideration given to traffic and the environment.

"We're talking about a whole new town," Pat Wall said. "If we do it right, it's going to be wonderful news for the county."

Supervisor Mary Scott, who represents that area, said she was impressed with the group's proposal.

"They really do seem like they have their ducks in a row," Scott said. "It could be a great thing for the county.

"Maricopa County is spilling over this way, where property values are more attractive. And it's a beautiful area. Who wouldn't want to live out there?"

Scott said there has not been any discussion regarding water, a fast-growing concern for rural Arizona.

"Water really isn't our jurisdiction, but obviously it's going to be an obligation of this board to make sure property in the county isn't over-developed," she said.

Another planned development with "several thousand" homes has been proposed in the central portion of the county, the Walls said. However, they said they could not identify the investors or give an exact location because some of the land has not been secured.

Although the county hasn't received any official word, the Walls said Arizona Public Service recently had a 15,000-acre parcel between Bouse and Vicksburg appraised. They said the former farming area is ripe for development.

Another proposed development south of Quartzsite calls for new homes on 40 acres, the Walls said, including a design intended to compliment the existing natural terrain.

And another developer has plans to build a large subdivision in Bouse on 100 acres next to the new elementary school - the community's pride and joy.

The Walls said the county's growth spurt makes the Board's hiring of a new community development director one of its most important decisions. The county also has an opening for a new top administrator.

"The attitude of that new person will make a huge difference on whether or not these projects move forward," said Bud Wall, who once served as the community development director. "These developers are sensitive to resistance. They prefer a business-like approach, and they like speed."

Growth on The Strip

One of the most visible areas of growth in recent years has been the Parker Strip - a 13-mile stretch along the Colorado River shore south of Parker Dam.

The Strip hasn't changed much over the past several decades with hundreds of manufactured homes, a handful of RV Parks, and some small commercial areas scattered throughout.

But the Strip is now experiencing a steady transformation, the Walls said. Investors large and small, mostly from California, are gobbling up what is considered prime waterfront property. It is one of the few areas left along the lower Colorado River where private land is still available.

Some planned development has already occurred on the Strip, such as the Miraleste Shores, where some homes are valued at well above $1 million. At least three other residential projects are currently in the works, the Walls said.

With their own condominium project already under construction nearby, developers have received approval on a tentative map for Toscana Estates, described as high-end, stick-built homes similar to those at the new Miraleste Shores.

Another developer has submitted a tentative map for Rio Colorado Vista, expected to include as many as 150 lots on nearly 40 acres just south of Parker Dam. Those lots are expected to offer "magnificent" views of the Colorado River. The planned Mountain View Estates will include more than 100 residential lots.

In addition, many individual property owners are replacing their old manufactured homes with new stick-built houses.

"People from Los Angeles are finding out they can build a lot more house here compared to what they can afford in California," Bud Wall said.

Southern comfort

And the long wait appears to be over for the Town of Parker, which for years had been trying to attract developers to its planned Parker South.

Town Manager Lanny Sloan said three developers have bought land at the site, which covers 20 square miles about eight miles south of town limits. A new water system now under construction is scheduled for completion Jan. 1.

The initial development covers roughly 360 acres, where one developer has plans to build 185 "affordable" homes. Another developer plans to create a 180-unit subdivision with lots available for purchase, and the third developer has proposed a 70-unit apartment complex.

"It's a great thing for the town and the county because housing is such a huge issue here," Sloan said.

Sloan said roughly one-third of the town, county and school district employees who work in Parker live about 40 miles north in Lake Havasu City.

"We have people who really want to stay and work here but can't afford to make the drive to Parker and back every day. And right now, there's very little housing," Sloan said.

"But it looks like that's about to change."

You may contact the reporter at bwedemeyer@havasunews.com.