Northwest Citizens Group hears from Luke officials Nov. 9

The Northwest Citizens Group invites the public to attend their monthly meeting with Surprise staff to discuss a variety of issues and topics that affect residents living within Surprise’s planning area.

The group meets monthly and is composed of 13 members who live north of Surprise in the Wittmann, Morristown and Circle City area. All meetings are open to the public at the Saguaro Jane’s Community Center, 21802 W. Wilson Ave., Wittmann.

At the Sept. 28 meeting, the group received information about Surprise’s updated annexation policy. The presentation included information on state regulations, application process and timelines, advertising requirements, size regulations and zoning regulations. The city’s policy is to ensure that annexation of land promotes fiscal and economic vitality for the city and verify that infrastructure and services can be provided within 10 years.

On Nov. 9, representatives from Luke Air Force Base are invited to discuss the AUX1 flight area and the effects these regulations have on the area.

Future meeting topics will include traffic and transportation issues and BNSF Railroad.

Following is the Northwest Citizens Group mission statement:

The Northwest Citizens Group will provide a forum for public involvement, communication, consensus and planning for the unincorporated areas of Wittmann, Nadaburg, Morristown, Circle City and the vicinity of northwest Maricopa County between the cities of Surprise and Wickenburg. More specifically the purpose will be to:

• Provide input to the consultants and professional staffs of the City of Surprise
• Act as a conduit for information between city staff and the citizens in this area.
• Provide input to city general planning efforts and represent the interests of the public living in the unincorporated area.
• Report to stakeholders and citizen organizations on a regular basis with the intent of building general consensus on planning approaches in the communities and among the citizens of the area.
• Inform the consultants and city staff of issues, concerns, and opportunities that result from communication with the public.

To receive regular e-mail updates regarding the Northwest Citizens Group, e-mail deborah.perry@surpriseaz.com or call 623-222-3154.