The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12 approved a comprehensive plan amendment for Hassayampa Ranch (CPA 25‑0008) that redesignates roughly 2,077 acres near the Tonopah‑Arlington area from a decades‑old master‑planned community to an industrial land‑use category.

Planning director Tom Elsworth told the board the request reflects changing economic and infrastructure patterns in the area, including adjacent sand‑and‑gravel operations, nearby mines and the planned Belmont industrial designation to the west. "The proposed industrial designation is compatible with the region's emerging land use pattern," Elsworth said, and the planning and zoning commission recommended approval 8–0.

The applicant, represented by attorney Wendy Riddell, said the site was intensively entitled in 2008 for more than 5,700 residential units but never developed. Riddell said the developer expects to file a rezoning application in the next 30 to 60 days and that future site plans will address setbacks, landscaping and infrastructure. Landowner Anita Verma Lalian said the project team is committed to "responsible planning, respect for the land, and a commitment to creating communities" and asked for the board's support.

Residents who live adjacent to the property urged the board to preserve the land. Charice Campbell, who said her business depends on free‑range birds next to the site, warned the change would harm wildlife and local livelihoods. She told supervisors, "A massive 1.5 gigawatt data center ... could demand 10,000,000 gallons of water per day," and said the industrial conversion would threaten her hatchery and mental health owing to lights and noise.

Kathy Fletcher, who said she owns an acre abutting the property, pointed to petitions from neighbors and argued industrial uses would not bring commensurate benefits to the rural Tonopah community. Opponents cited traffic, property values, wildlife corridor protection and water use as key concerns.

Supervisor Debbie Lesko, who moved approval, acknowledged neighborhood opposition but said the property's current entitlements make preservation unlikely and noted the applicant was coordinating with Arizona Game and Fish on conservation strategies. Lesko added the choice facing the board was between a higher‑density residential master plan or an industrial campus and said she believed industrial and rural residential uses can coexist. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; Chairman Galvin had recused himself for planning and zoning items and rejoined the meeting after the vote.

The board's approval advances the comprehensive plan amendment but does not grant zoning entitlements or site approvals; those details, including water use and operational specifics, will be considered during a subsequent rezoning and site‑plan process, during which the county said it will continue outreach with neighbors.

Next steps: staff and the applicant expect a zoning application to follow the plan amendment; supervisors and public commenters said they will monitor the rezoning process and any environmental or water‑use studies that are filed.