Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Payson public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in development with high priority
Malibu property sale for luxury RV and cabin resort
The town is weighing a sale or lease of two central town parcels to Wildhorse Hospitality for a luxury RV and cabin resort. Most speakers pushed back, favoring affordable housing, a rec center, or a competitive RFP process. No decision was made — the item went to executive session and stays open.
DANCO Affordable Housing Ground Lease Extension
A 66-unit low-income housing project on three acres of the town's 19-acre Malibu parcel hinges on extending DANCO's ground-lease option to June 30 so it can chase tax-credit funding in April. Critics want lease payments, street and utility costs, and appraisal details nailed down first; supporters say the option binds the town to nothing until terms are negotiated and approved later.
Main Street Mixed-Use Development RFP
The sole RFP respondent, White Mountain Advisory Group, pitched a walkable town square with a market hall, signature restaurant, and events on roughly five to six acres along the gulch. Next steps are due diligence and a developer's agreement; no housing is in this proposal, though the developer is eyeing separate multifamily sites.
Woda Cooper Affordable Housing Project (Union Park Lofts)
A proposed 74-unit affordable apartment project could bring workforce and senior housing to Payson, but it hinges on winning a scarce state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit — only one award per county. The town's loan, fee waivers and tax forgiveness are meant to boost the application's competitiveness.
Circle K fuel station at Beeline Highway and Rumsey Drive
A new 5,200-square-foot Circle K with seven gas and three high-speed diesel positions near Walmart, approved 4-2. Neighbors object to semi-truck parking next to homes, noise, light, and the already-congested Highway 87/260 intersection; a competing local station owner says the project could sink his business.
Longhorn Ranch Master-Planned Community
An 83.73-acre planned community with single-family attached/detached homes, multifamily, and a 16.25-acre mixed-use village center at Longhorn Road and Green Valley Parkway. Homes are targeted at $350,000–$450,000, but residents raised flood mapping, drainage, traffic, school congestion, and growth-impact concerns.