Last week, the Apache Junction, Arizona, City Council approved plans by developers Brookfield and D.R. Horton for a master-planned community on a 2,700-acre land parcel in the city, which was subject to an unusual auction process last year. The plan would bring more than 10,000 homes to the area, and increase the city’s population by 25,000 over the next 10 years, according to estimates.
Apache Junction Mayor Chip Wilson says planning is important to manage the city’s growth.
“This is all going to be planned, so that we control the growth into our community. So it’s not just a haphazard, put-together situation,” said Wilson.
The city’s development services director, Larry Kirch, says he hopes the developers consider housing prices as they move forward.
“Well, we have two different developers. They have two different business models, if you will. The first developer, I think, will develop houses that are relatively affordable in the market. I mean today’s day and age we’re seeing starter homes in over $300,000, so $350. So having that supply for first-time home buyers will help,” Kirch said.
