Policy 3.6.1.24 identifies the need to determine if environmental cleanup is
necessary at certain locations that are relinquished by the military. This is relevant
to the historic usage of Florence Military Reservation and the activities that
occurred there in the past, some of which are outside the current boundaries of
the installation.
Airport Reserve
The Comprehensive Plan includes a section on planning within Airport Reserves. Airport
Reserves surround existing airports in the county to allow for adequate buffering for
future land uses and development and any expansion of airport operations and to ensure
compatible development. Planning and development that occurs around airports should
be done in a manner that preserves the airport and protects its ability to operate, such as
monitoring potential vertical obstruction hazards, while protecting the public and land
uses from impacts caused by aircraft activities. The areas around airports are sought
after for economic development that takes advantage of associated business commerce
opportunities. While economic development is important, it is critical to protect the
airport’s operational areas to ensure a safe flight environment and to protect the public
from hazards and noise. The noise areas are a standard that is utilized to reserve areas to
preserve the airport activities.
Growth Areas
The Pinal County Comprehensive Plan identifies several growth areas where the county
will focus its efforts on new development and infrastructure over the next 10 years.
These growth areas relate to the Comprehensive Plan’s vision statement and are meant
to encourage a comprehensive development form that promotes economic growth for
the county and considers pedestrian‐oriented growth and transit opportunities. There
are four key growth areas that are identified in the plan–Gateway / Superstition Vistas,
West Pinal, Red Rock, and Tri‐Communities. The first three are fully or partially located
within the JLUS Project Area and, as these grow should be monitored for potential
compatibility conflicts between AZARNG operations and development. Figure 4‐1 shows
the location of all the growth areas. The three within the Project Area are discussed on
the following pages.
Background Report
4-37