Rhodes receives Arizona approval
June 3, 2008 - 9:00 pm
KINGMAN, Ariz. -- Las Vegas developer Jim Rhodes hopes to have construction well under way by the first quarter of next year after securing key approvals Monday for the master-planned community he intends to develop in the northwest Arizona community of Golden Valley.
The Mohave County Board of Supervisors approved a specific zoning plan and a development agreement for Pravada, a 5,000-acre development about 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas that could someday include 25,000 homes.
Rhodes Homes Vice President Chris Stephens said the company now will begin preparing subdivision plats for the project that will feature varied density residential and commercial development along with extensive green belts and a golf course.
He said the company hopes the Arizona Corporation Commission later this summer will approve water and wastewater utility systems and service for Pravada.
The project that was first announced in 2004 has at times served as a volatile political battleground in a region unaccustomed to such large developments.
Some Arizonans questioned water supply sufficiency while others argued that Rhodes' investment will rejuvenate a slumping economy.
"We have addressed every issue that's been brought up repeatedly by the detractors of the project and we feel it is time to send a message to the development world that Mohave County is open for business," Rhodes representative John Gaul said Monday.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Pete Byers said state experts have assured water supply sufficiency.
He also said he's tired of hearing allegations that Rhodes is buying required approvals.
"If they are, they didn't pay off enough people because it's taken three years and they haven't built more than four homes, so I don't want to hear that again," Byers said.
Rhodes Marketing Director Anil Melnick said the company holds more than 500 reservations for homes from buyers looking to move into the development.
"Pravada will offer architecturally superior homes, endless opportunities for activity and entertainment, and neighborhood amenities that are unparalleled," Rhodes said in a news release. "Because Pravada will be a walkable community, it will give people more time to enjoy the things they love and will give neighbors more opportunities to get to know one another."