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Development plan becomes new city policy
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Looking at the current state of economic development in Benson and focusing on what the future can bring, a new policy was put in place by the City Council recently.
The council approved the official "City of Benson Economic Development Strategic Plan," an 18-page document aimed at giving city officials direction for the next five years.
The plan was created by the Benson Economic Development Committee last year. The committee is made up of residents, city staff and council members.
Councilman John Lodzinski, who leads the committee, told fellow council members July 13 that he is pleased with the end result, which will be posted on the City of Benson Web site and copies will be printed to distribute to possible developers in the future.
The City Council appears to be all for promoting economic growth in Benson, as they approved the creation of the committee last year, and have thrown their support behind the newly-created Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group, managed by former mayor George Scott.
The vision statement in the strategic plan says the goal is to "Serve the people of Benson by effectively planning for growth, providing a safe environment, quality transportation, reliable utilities, enhanced recreation opportunities, competent administration, a healthy business climate, a positive self image, and cooperation with other levels of government while maintaining fiscal responsibility."
The plan further states that an economic development vision for the future should address a broad range of elements from education and public safety to transportation, environment and government.
In envisioning the future, the strategic plan says Benson is in the "path of growth."
Quoting numbers provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation, Benson is looking at 25,000 more houses and a population of 78,210 by the year 2030. The city currently has about 5,000 residents.
The projection is based on prospective annexations for the future.
When it comes to growth, the current status has Benson with 935 ready to build lots, which includes master planned communities with custom lots that have utilities. In addition, there are six approved subdivisions that have infrastructure improvements to be completed within two years for an additional 771 lots.
In assessing the community's ability to support and sustain growth, the committee also conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis.
The SWOT had Benson's strengths in its local school districts along with the Cochise College Benson Center. The report states, "There are many educational opportunities in Benson. Benson's excellent primary and secondary education institution have always produced outstanding students."
When it comes to the Benson workforce, the analysis states that the city must market its unique charm and outdoor environment and provide more information on existing local and regional workforces.
The city itself is a commercial and service hub for a population of 30,000 when residents from not only the city, but also outer communities of Pomerene, St. David, Mescal and J-Six and Dragoon are counted.
Listed as a strength, the analysis states that, "Benson's close proximity to Pima County's population centers is a great opportunity in terms of workforce development. In the metropolitan Tucson area, two emerging population centers are Corona De Tucson and the Vail area. Residents can drive to Benson in 30 minutes from these areas."
With available health care and a location at the intersection of several highways, including State Routes 80 and 90 and Interstate 10, the committee also felt Benson has plenty to offer to prospective builders in the future.
The report also touches briefly on what the city has to offer in water, wastewater, electricity and other utilities.
The last few pages of the report list Benson's attractions ranging from Kartchner Caverns to the local museums, golf courses and natural setting with the San Pedro River.
Looking at the current state of economic development in Benson and focusing on what the future can bring, a new policy was put in place by the City Council recently.
The council approved the official "City of Benson Economic Development Strategic Plan," an 18-page document aimed at giving city officials direction for the next five years.
The plan was created by the Benson Economic Development Committee last year. The committee is made up of residents, city staff and council members.
Councilman John Lodzinski, who leads the committee, told fellow council members July 13 that he is pleased with the end result, which will be posted on the City of Benson Web site and copies will be printed to distribute to possible developers in the future.
The City Council appears to be all for promoting economic growth in Benson, as they approved the creation of the committee last year, and have thrown their support behind the newly-created Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group, managed by former mayor George Scott.
The vision statement in the strategic plan says the goal is to "Serve the people of Benson by effectively planning for growth, providing a safe environment, quality transportation, reliable utilities, enhanced recreation opportunities, competent administration, a healthy business climate, a positive self image, and cooperation with other levels of government while maintaining fiscal responsibility."
The plan further states that an economic development vision for the future should address a broad range of elements from education and public safety to transportation, environment and government.
In envisioning the future, the strategic plan says Benson is in the "path of growth."
Quoting numbers provided by the Arizona Department of Transportation, Benson is looking at 25,000 more houses and a population of 78,210 by the year 2030. The city currently has about 5,000 residents.
The projection is based on prospective annexations for the future.
When it comes to growth, the current status has Benson with 935 ready to build lots, which includes master planned communities with custom lots that have utilities. In addition, there are six approved subdivisions that have infrastructure improvements to be completed within two years for an additional 771 lots.
In assessing the community's ability to support and sustain growth, the committee also conducted a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis.
The SWOT had Benson's strengths in its local school districts along with the Cochise College Benson Center. The report states, "There are many educational opportunities in Benson. Benson's excellent primary and secondary education institution have always produced outstanding students."
When it comes to the Benson workforce, the analysis states that the city must market its unique charm and outdoor environment and provide more information on existing local and regional workforces.
The city itself is a commercial and service hub for a population of 30,000 when residents from not only the city, but also outer communities of Pomerene, St. David, Mescal and J-Six and Dragoon are counted.
Listed as a strength, the analysis states that, "Benson's close proximity to Pima County's population centers is a great opportunity in terms of workforce development. In the metropolitan Tucson area, two emerging population centers are Corona De Tucson and the Vail area. Residents can drive to Benson in 30 minutes from these areas."
With available health care and a location at the intersection of several highways, including State Routes 80 and 90 and Interstate 10, the committee also felt Benson has plenty to offer to prospective builders in the future.
The report also touches briefly on what the city has to offer in water, wastewater, electricity and other utilities.
The last few pages of the report list Benson's attractions ranging from Kartchner Caverns to the local museums, golf courses and natural setting with the San Pedro River.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
Gary Reighard wrote on Jul 25, 2009 3:05 PM:
" I disagree with been there's comments. Because of ( ONE ) very important reason. The registered voters responsibility to hold them to their word. They don't do what they say they don't get re elected. The registered voters have to take responsibility to see that this gets done. INSTEAD of waiting for Govt. to take care of them that is doing so great in the middle east aint it ? "
J-6 Mescal wrote on Jul 26, 2009 1:30 PM:
" I would love to bet the "under" on that 78,000 population of Benson in 2030.
We haven't heard much about the rising arsenic levels in the Benson city water lately, probably not important. Where will the water for 72,000 more residents come from? The folks making these predictions have a vested interest in promoting growth, and will pay no penalty for encouraging a disaster.
But no point getting worked up about things that may not happen in my lifetime. "
We haven't heard much about the rising arsenic levels in the Benson city water lately, probably not important. Where will the water for 72,000 more residents come from? The folks making these predictions have a vested interest in promoting growth, and will pay no penalty for encouraging a disaster.
But no point getting worked up about things that may not happen in my lifetime. "
WTH wrote on Jul 27, 2009 4:10 PM:
" Gary Reighard:
Holding elected officials accountable is not a trait of the people of Benson. Look at past history. If the newspaper or good old boys want it done, it will get done. It is nothing but a big game for a few to get rich while the taxpayers foot the bill. City utilities were installed, road paved finally the property of a longtime Mayor/council member was annexed into the city so he could still serve as Mayor and have city police and fire protection. Of course he was reelected.
The problem is the voters will not take responsibility. Remember the Benson City Motto: Accountability will you get recalled or fired. "
Holding elected officials accountable is not a trait of the people of Benson. Look at past history. If the newspaper or good old boys want it done, it will get done. It is nothing but a big game for a few to get rich while the taxpayers foot the bill. City utilities were installed, road paved finally the property of a longtime Mayor/council member was annexed into the city so he could still serve as Mayor and have city police and fire protection. Of course he was reelected.
The problem is the voters will not take responsibility. Remember the Benson City Motto: Accountability will you get recalled or fired. "
been there wrote on Jul 23, 2009 7:52 AM:
The City of Benson Economic Development Strategic Plan is nothing more then George Scott and Mark Fenn in drag. "