Neighbor concerns lead Graham County supervisors to table Bloomfield rezoning

The Graham County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 5 tabled a request from Bloomfield Companies to rezone a parcel north of Highway 70 (APN 10243034) from general land use to Commercial General after public comment and board questions about alley access and traffic safety.

Planning staff told the board the site formerly operated under a temporary use permit when Frito-Lay used it; that permit did not transfer with sale and Bloomfield now seeks CG zoning to use the site as a laydown yard and a training location for Morenci operations (MSHA training). Resident Lashona Coleman, who lives at 1697 South Montier Lane, said she opposes rezoning, citing long-term neighborhood quiet, what she described as recurring criminal-speed driving (she said speeds reached "100 mile an hour"), a blocked alleyway and potential safety risks to children. Coleman urged denial or delay in favor of a temporary use permit until long-term effects are clear.

Supervisors asked planning and engineering staff to verify whether a public alley easement exists and whether the current fence obstructs access. The board discussed possible stipulations (including requiring removal of any obstruction to a public easement and restricting hours of commercial activity so it would cease after 8 p.m.) and then voted to table the rezoning until the next meeting so engineering and highway staff can review access and easement status and report back. Planning staff noted the planning commission had recommended approval unanimously; the board invited both the applicant and neighbors to attend the follow-up meeting.

The issue will return after staff completes the easement and access review.