WILLIAMS - Developers for the planned Bearizona theme park in Williams faced a hurdle at the recent meeting of Williams City Council, held Oct. 22 at city hall. That hurdle came as council members questioned impact fees for the proposed animal park in the form of credits that would be applied for portions of construction in and around the park, including water lines, road construction and more. Council members questioned whether or not they would set a precedent in crediting the fees.
Council members tabled the question during the Oct. 22 meeting and met again for a special work session Oct. 26, where they reached a consensus on an 80 to 100 percent credit on the road near the proposed development. Developer Sean Casey had asked that Council members approve an estimated $387,000 in credit on the road portion of the project. In lieu of fees, developers said they would dedicate the road back to the city after it is completed.
Impact fee credits are typically fashioned by determining what portion of the project benefits the developer and what portion benefits the city, said Williams City Manager Dennis Wells.
"I agree that these are a very significant public benefit to the city of Williams and I don't have a problem with 80 to 100 percent on any of these, but because they are big dollar figures, everyone needs to weigh in on it and we need to be very open about that discussion," Wells told council members during the Oct. 22 meeting.
Council member Don Dent said the road in front of the proposed development site would qualify as beneficial to the city.
"I think you can make the case that the whole thing is public benefit," Dent said. "We're going to have a better road, a safer road, and a lot cleaner entrance, not only to their property but all the property to the east of it."
While council members made no decision on the project during the Oct. 26 work session, plans are moving forward on the project under the assumption that the consensus will stand.
"We will start drafting an impact fee development agreement next week. It takes a little while," Wells said, adding that the agreement is expected to return for council approval early next year.
"I think we're working toward consensus on a number of issues. There were no dramatic conclusions, but it's part of the process," Wells said. "(Oct. 26) was a work session. What you gain there is kind of a general guidance or consensus. Council agreed to arrange between 80 to 100 percent of the value of those projects to be used as an impact fee credit. The actual development agreement is down the road. That will be a public meeting and then council will vote on that."
Impact fee credits, Wells said, can be used against future additions to the Bearizona property should council members approve them.
"The development is in three phases," Wells said. "When you consider the fact that they are going to be bringing millions of dollars in to the city in revenue, these dollar figures will pale in comparison."
Casey said he would continue to work with city officials and council members on the impact fees and other aspects of the park.
"City staff and the council have been great to work with. I have high hopes that we can continue to move forward with this spirit of cooperation," Casey said.
The Bearizona project, which has already broken ground, is expected to open in May of next year under the first phase of operation. Construction and additions to the park will continue following the opening, according to developers. The park will be located on a parcel of land formerly owned by the Keethler family near the Highway 64, Interstate 40 junction. Casey and other family members operate Bear Country U.S.A., located in South Dakota. That park, according to Casey, is one of the top four attractions in the area. The proposed Williams park will be similar in concept, but is not affiliated with the Bear Country U.S.A. park. More on Bear Country can be found online at
www.bearcountryusa.com.
Reader Comments
Posted: Monday, December 14, 2009
Article comment by:
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People aren't going to come from out of state for this ridiculous park. Though they may stop by to gawk at the "wild"-life before / after visiting the Grand Canyon. I wonder how much of your water this facility will use City of Williams... Has that been discussed yet?
Posted: Tuesday, November 03, 2009
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Wow, if both Theme Parks get built that will translate to a lot of draw for Arizona tourism since we already have the Grand Canyon.
