Proposed subdivision would access 7th Ave, Desert Hills Dr
by Kathleen Stinson

ANTHEM/DESERT HILLS – A proposed 74‑acre housing development at the northwest corner of Desert Hills Drive and 7th Avenue has some area residents concerned it will open direct access from Anthem to Desert Hills.

Plans call for subdivision access from both 7th Avenue and Desert Hills Drive.

Several Desert Hills residents question whether the sub‑division, to be called Desert Hills Equestrian Estates,  violates the Development Master Plan for Anthem, but Maricopa County officials state otherwise.

Desert Hills resident Bill Cameron points out that the Anthem master plan does not allow public roadway access between the two communities. This proposed development, he fears, will open that access.

“This is everything I don’t want – to look at (Anthem) block fences and tile roofs six feet from each other and the increased traffic,” Cameron said.

Sonora West Development Inc. recently filed an application with Maricopa County to develop 56 single‑family home lots and a private equestrian center.

About five residents have called the county to express their concerns about the project, according to County Planner Rachel Applegate. As a result, the county asked the developer to hold a meeting with nearby residents to explain the project and get feedback.

Although the proposal does include access to the subdivision from both Desert Hills Drive and 7th Avenue, Applegate told The Desert Advocate it does not violate the Anthem development plan.

Jim Bloom, chief of staff for District 3 County Supervisor Andy Kunasek, confirms Applegate’s statement. “It’s considered excess property. It’s not part of Anthem ... It was never included in the master plan,” Bloom explained.

Cameron believes the subject area was set aside as open space and an equestrian center in accordance with the county‑approved Anthem plan. In this regard, the plan has not changed, he said.

In addition, he wonders whether the proposal could include some density‑transfer arrangement– allowing the builder to bundle density in one area in order to leave open space in another,

frequently hillsides and washes. Skunk Creek Wash runs between Anthem and the proposed subdivision.

Sonora West spokesman Spencer Wright said the developer plans to hold at least one meeting with residents. None are currently scheduled.

According to a Desert Hills resident familiar with the proposal, the developer stated in a meeting with several community members several months ago that there would be no access between Anthem and the subdivision.

Applegate said Sonora West will have an opportunity to make changes in their plan in response to residents’ concerns. The county Board of Supervisors will decide at a later date whether to approve or deny the proposed development.