The Cottonwood Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the design review application for a brand new RV park close to the airport, a report said.
The RV park will be called Airport Cottonwood Springs RV Park and will be situated on Happy Jack Way, south of Mingus Avenue, and west of the airport in Arizona.
Mike Mongini (owner of Happy Jack Lodge LLC) is enthusiastic about the idea of building an RV park at Cottonwood.
He plans to lease the property to the city of Cottonwood to build 500 RV sites, and to move the RV storage that is already there. To meet the requirements, RV spaces must have at least 50% open space. This will allow for recreational equipment such as grills, tables, and chairs. For different types of RVs, the space sizes will differ.
Two community spaces are included in the plans. Each space contains a fire pit and drink rail, as well as chairs for campers. Two sheltered picnic areas will be available, as well as a community building with a dog park.
Gary Davis, Senior Community Development Planner, stated that 800 square feet of open space are required by code. This can be included in community open spaces as well as individuals as long as the space is open and accessible to the public.
Two phases will be required to complete the project. The first phase will include 150 spaces in the southern parts of the parcel. The rest of the space will be developed later on. A clubhouse will also be constructed and solar canopies installed.
Some commissioners expressed concern about the park’s proximity to Cottonwood Airport. Mark Williams, Airport Manager, told the commission that they will have to comply with a few FAA regulations due to the close proximity. However, they won’t be able to know all the requirements until they hear back from the FAA.
The FAA has a few requirements. The first is a notice of construction, what follows would be applying for a category exemption in NEPA.
“The structures aren’t too close to the runway for any problems,” Williams said. He said that lighting dependent on the elevation is all that might be needed.
The RV park will be adjacent to the Verde Valley Humane Society, City Public Works and Wastewater Plant, and undeveloped residential property. The future neighborhood will be bounded by a wall that the developers intend to build.
Shannon Klinge, the Commissioner, stated that she was initially hesitant about approving the project after hearing where it would be situated. However, she is now supportive of the project.
“I was initially nervous about the safety of the airport. But after reading the information, I feel quite at ease. She said that it looked like they are well-experienced in this type of thing and have a great source of resources.
Lindsay Masten, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, stated that she believes it is a worthwhile project. “It’s more space for tourism and I look forward to it being built.”