Task force working for Pinal affordable housing
Oscar Perez/PinalCentral
FLORENCE — The inter-departmental Pinal County Housing Task Force is working to increase affordable housing. “Essentially what we are wanting to see is a further commitment by the county to encourage and support private investment in a variety of different housing options,” Pinal Grants Manager Heather Patel said.
The committee also wants to see affordable housing in existing developments and neighborhoods “so that we avoid any economic segregation,” and housing affordability included in all planning and zoning processes and decisions, Patel said.
“This is the kind of stuff I’ve been asking for for 12 years now, so we’re getting there,” Supervisor Steve Miller, R-Casa Grande, said. “Affordable housing is almost an oxymoron now.”
Vice Chairman Jeffrey McClure, R-Eagle Crest Ranch, said one of the committee’s ideas, such as allowing duplexes and triplexes in single-family zones, will meet with resistance from some neighbors.
Chairman Mike Goodman, R-San Tan Valley, said all would probably agree that type of housing is needed, but in San Tan Valley they don’t want to see commercial properties rezoned for high-density housing.
To cut down on the time and expense associated with building a new home, the board voted to offer the plans in Yavapai County’s “Home of Your Own” program after they’ve been reviewed and approved for use in Pinal County.
