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Litchfield Park council adopts general plan BY LAUREN SERRATO
West Valley View Staff Writer
L
itchfield Park City Council unanimously voted to adopt its 2022 general plan during a March 30 special meeting. The general plan identifies community goals and designates the proposed general distribution, location and extent of land uses and other measures to satisfy the goals of the city. Mayor Thomas Schoaf said the plan does not differ much from the current plan. However, law requires a public view and vote every 10 years. “We actually needed to do that in 2020, but with COVID and all the problems we had going on with not being able to have public meetings, we decided to postpone it for two years,” Schoaf added.
West Valley View Staff Writer
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One of the major changes in the plan, Schoaf said, is the city limits. All changes can be found on the updated maps within the general plan. For example, Camelback Road is now listed within the city limits. Legal counsel, the city clerk and city staff scheduled the review, approval and adoption at the beginning of the year. “You can kind of see the litany of history behind us and what’s in front of us,” said Jason Sanks, planning consultant, during the March 16 city council meeting, as he presented the updated general plan. “Since the last time we met, we were able to publish the notice of public hearing for planning and zoning (P&Z) as required by statute. We held a third P&Z
Plan...continued on page 3
Mayor Thomas Schoaf said the 2022 general plan does not differ much from the current plan. (City of Litchfield Park/Submitted)
Ceremony honors late fire chief Bob Costello BY LAUREN SERRATO
FEATURES ..... 20
April 13, 2022
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ormer Buckeye Fire Chief Bob Costello will forever be remembered in the city he inspired and protected. During a ceremony on April 8 — the one-year anniversary of Costello’s death — Mayor Eric Orsborn declared Sundance Crossing will be renamed the Bob Costello Public Safety Courtyard. “Bob Costello was and is Buckeye,” Orsborn said. “Costello was a forward thinker and cared deeply about the community that he served. And whereas Chief Costello was greatly respected by the community and many colleagues and firefighting professionals across the state of Arizona and whereas simply known as Bob to his wife and his family and friends, Chief Costello left a footprint of his
compassion and selfless service of the city of Buckeye and its surrounding communities.” Costello died April 8, 2021, from COVID-19 complications. Buckeye residents, friends and colleagues honored Costello on April 8 this year at the Buckeye Fire administration building at 21699 W. Yuma Road. They recalled Costello’s life and career that continues to have an impact on Buckeye. Costello joined the city in 2004 and became fire chief four years later. He was instrumental in constructing multiple fire stations to improve response times. Throughout his career, Costello was recognized for innovative programs, including the implementation of the community paramedicine program. Costello also earned pres-
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April 8 marked one year since Buckeye Fire Chief Bob Costello died from COVID-19 complications. (City of Buckeye/Submitted)