YOU READ IT FIRST
ON THE GAZETTE BLOG
By Jim Keyworth ON THE GAZETTE BLOG
Gazette Blog Editor
About 25 residents of Mesa del Caballo shared their views on the potential location of the Blue Ridge/C.C. Cragin Water Treatment Plant adjacent to their community at a work-study session of the Payson Town Council Tuesday (March 1) afternoon.
Payson Mayor Kenny Evans has also agreed to meet with Mesa del residents Friday afternoon to walk the site and explain its features.
Most residents in attendance at the work-study voiced oppostion to the location and support for a nearby location across Houston Mesa Road close to Shoofly Ruins that is already cleared.
Evans pointed out that he co-exists with a Payson water tank near his home in Rim View Heights. He noted that the town wants to locate the plant near Mesa del to provide that community with a reliable water source.
Payson water guru Buzz Walker was also in attendance, emphasizing the non-intrusive nature of the 27-foot high, 6,000-square-foot facility. It will be 200 feet from the property lines of those Mesa del residents who live on the community's eastern boundary.
Payson Councilor Michael Hughes said the loss in property values caused by the plant's location will be more than compensated for by the increased values that will come with a reliable water source. Mesa del is the Rim Country's poster child for water shortages, surpassing even Pine. The community, serviced by Brooke Utilities, is currently at Stage 3 and has spent considerable time this winter at Stage 4.
Still to be resolved: which entity is behind the push for the Mesa del plant site. The town says it's the Forest Service, while the Forest Service says it's the town.
No comments:
Post a Comment