Our local economy--still growing

Industrial park could create economic opportunities
By Diane Saunders
Staff Writer
http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2008/12/14/news/doc4942ff1015759541787907.prt A proposed light-industrial park on Safford’s east side will allow the city to market itself across the United States and will create opportunities for local companies to expand, Safford Community and Economic Development Director Pete Stasiak said.

In a Dec. 5 interview with the Courier, Stasiak said the proposed industrial park will be built by Langlely Holdings on 95 acres of land.
“Langley has been a tremendous partner with the city on these projects,” Stasiak said. “They listen to our needs and work with us.”

He added that city officials have been focusing on the future for two years.

While focusing on the future could reap economic development rewards for the city, the community is also looking at the impact of a state and national economic downturn.

In 2007, the city issued building permits for 208 new homes and commercial development for a total value of $37 million.
In comparison, only 37 permits for new homes and commercial development were issued in 2008. The total value was about $15 million, Stasiak said.

Even with the reduction in the number of permits, Stasiak remains optimistic.

“Five years ago, the city issued one building permit, so the city is still growing,” Stasiak said, adding that the city is “way ahead” in the number of jobs when compared to three years ago.

Several residential subdivisions have been placed on hold until there is a need for more housing, and construction of the 64-unit Casa Dorado apartments is delayed until financing is worked out, Stasiak said.

He also discussed commercial development in Safford. Those developments and their status follow:

• Vining Mortuary on 20th Avenue south of 18th Street: A building permit has been issued, and construction is expected to begin soon.

• Holiday Inn Express and Motel 6 on Highway 70: The city is awaiting further information from the developer.

• Hampton Inn on Highway 70 at Fifth Street: City officials recently received plans for the building.

• Copper Steer Steak House on Highway 70: Located on the east side of Safford, this restaurant is scheduled to open in January.

• NAPA Auto Center on Highway 70: expected to open in January.

According to Stasiak, commercial diversification helps keep the local economy healthy; however, he did not play down the importance of mining.

“Freeport is an absolute blessing to this Valley,” Stasiak said.

Sheldon Miller, director of the Graham County Chamber of Commerce, said he also sees the economy as healthy.

“We have a very solid economy here, and the mine pushed it to another level,” Miller said.

He added that the chamber is planning an economic workshop for business owners in February. The date and time will be announced later.