In a recent government meeting, the commission discussed the approval of a two-year extension for the Shangri La States subdivision, citing challenges faced by the applicant due to COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions. This marks the third extension granted to the developer, who has been actively working to finalize the project despite these setbacks.

Commissioner Rosa highlighted that while the applicant has encountered difficulties, other developers have not reported similar trends of needing extensions beyond the standard two-year limit. However, the commission acknowledged that historically, extensions have been granted during market downturns, and future amendments to the subdivision ordinance may allow for longer extensions to be handled at the staff level, streamlining the process for developers.

Public comments during the meeting reinforced the impact of COVID-19 on construction timelines, with local contractor Randy Perry sharing his experiences of material shortages that hindered progress. The commission ultimately agreed to approve the extension, emphasizing the importance of supporting developers in overcoming pandemic-related challenges.

The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming community development workshops and a report from a commissioner who attended the Arizona Planners Association meeting, underscoring the value of diverse perspectives in urban planning discussions.