INSIDE TUCSON BUSINESS: Mon., Nov. 27, 2006
Benson sees opportunity after voters turn down project
By Philip S. Moore
Cochise County voters may have yanked the welcome mat out from under Diamond Ventures' proposed Smith Ranch development west of Benson, but the city would like to roll out the red carpet.
Nurturing plans to transform largely rural Benson's 5,000 population into a city of 50,000 by 2025, Mayor George Scott said the city is ready and willing to annex the 1,983-acre Smith Ranch site, which now is about four miles west outside the city. Unlike the county, the City of Benson is likely to give the Tucson developer the go-ahead to proceed with plans to transform the property into a 4,900-home master planned community.
Already incorporating Whetstone Ranch, another master-planned community of 10,000 to 12,000 homes, as well as other smaller subdivisions, Scott said growth is not something Benson wants to ignore.
The Smith Ranch project is estimated to add $1.6 billion in local income, generating between 3,306 and 4,021 new jobs and $105.8 million in additional local taxes for Benson. Scott said there are no negotiations currently being held with Diamond Ventures, “but we'd be happy to talk with them.”
FULL STORY: http://azbiz.com/articles/2006/11/27/news/news06.txt