Controversy Erupts Over Road Abandonment in Queen Valley

In a recent government meeting, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors discussed the proposed abandonment of a portion of El Camino Viejo Road in Queen Valley, a move that has sparked significant local concern. The section in question runs from Florence Junction to the Entrava del Oro development and is primarily situated on state land, having been transferred to the county by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) after the construction of US 60.

The property owner, seeking to abandon 25 feet of the existing 50-foot easement, argues that this would allow for more developable space on his property, which is currently constrained. He emphasized that the road has remained a two-lane corridor for many years and does not foresee any immediate need for expansion. The county would retain 65 feet of the easement, which could accommodate future road improvements if necessary.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from local residents. Two letters of objection were presented during the meeting, highlighting concerns that the abandonment could hinder future traffic management and utility development as the area grows. Residents Roger and Damaris Gray expressed their belief that preserving the right-of-way is essential for accommodating increased traffic from potential future developments. Another resident, Alan Mercami, echoed these sentiments, arguing that the right-of-way should remain intact to ensure adequate infrastructure for current and future residents.

Despite the opposition, county staff recommended proceeding with the partial abandonment, noting that utilities had agreed to the proposal. The board members engaged in a thorough discussion, weighing the property owner's need for development against the community's concerns about future traffic and utility needs.

Ultimately, the board closed the public hearing and moved towards a decision, with some members cautioning that granting the abandonment could set a precedent for similar requests from other property owners in the area. The outcome of this proposal remains to be seen, as the board deliberates the implications of their decision on both the property owner and the broader community.