The
project drew concern over possible sewage issues in the
future. Currently, the development is not in the sewer
service area and a septic system would be required for
each lot. However, a dry sewer line will be built within
the development for future hookup, should service become
available.
Homes
in Hawk’s Landing will be custom built; therefore, if
at the time of build sewer service were available, the
home would be linked to the sewer line.
“Once
we’re in the service area, the county will no longer approve
septic systems,” said project general engineer Richard
Schwartz. “We’ll be required to hook up to the sewer system
for any new build to happen. We don’t want to be on a
septic system; that’s why we’re putting the dry sewer
in.”
Councilman
David Schwan voiced concern as to whether a new homeowner
would be willing to make the financial commitment necessary
to hook up to a sewer line if they had recently purchased
a septic system.
Schwartz
stated it would be unreasonable to expect a new homeowner
to abandon their septic system months after purchasing
a home and spend thousands of dollars to hook up to the
sewer line. He pointed out, however, the life span of
a septic system is not infinite.
“Septic
systems fail; they have a definite life span,” Schwartz
said. “When they fail the county won’t approve a new system
to go in; they will make (the homeowner) hook up with
the sewer line.
“We
don’t want to build septic systems, but at this point
this is the option we have,” he continued. “Our hope is
(council) will come to a service agreement with Black
Mountain Sewer Corporation prior to our first build and
this will not be an issue.”
Another
concern with the development dealt with a wash which bisects
Lot 5, but council was told by Gary Neiss, Carefree Planning
Director/Zoning Administrator, that a home of roughly
4,000 square feet would still fit on the lot. Disclosure
to a purchaser of information about the wash impacting
the lot is required.
Council
did not see the lack of sewer service to the area as sufficient
reason to deny preliminary approval.
“I
know that we can improve this,” Mayor Wayne Fulcher said.
“There are concerns about all or part of this going to
septic that need to be resolved.”
In
other action, the council unanimously approved a Special
Event Liquor License for Our Lady of Joy Catholic Society
for a fundraiser Jan. 19 from 6‑10 p.m. Council
also unanimously approved a Wine Festival License for
Kokopelli Winery for the Carefree Art and Wine Festival
on Jan. 18‑20 and Feb. 29‑Mar. 2. Both events
have been held in the past.
Reach
the reporter at nick@thedesertadvocate.com.
