On Monday, we turned in 7,500+ signatures expressing opposition to the rezoning. A local petition with almost 200 signatures from local residents opposing the rezoning was also submitted. I also submitted a letter with a point-by-point response to the developer's application, and additional information about the Monastery, its impact on the local community, and its importance to Orthodox Christians worldwide. The Monastery also submitted a formal response. The county has received MANY letters and emails. They will be issuing a final report on Friday, Dec. 10th. So now, we are just waiting for the public hearing on December 15th! If you will be in the Florence area on Thursday, December 15th, please plan to attend the public hearing! It will take place at the Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission at 9:00 AM, Thursday, December 15th, in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Hearing Room, 31 N Pinal Street, Building F, Florence AZ 85132. (Map: https://goo.gl/maps/CNqYiYhMVhz ) Here is how the process works. The Planning and Zoning Commission consists of ten people whose duty is to evaluate zoning issues and other concerns, and make their recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. These ten commissioners are appointed to their position by the County Board of Supervisors. At the Public Hearing, the Planning staff (employees of the county) will present their analysis of the application. The applicant will also present their case to the Commission. Then the commissioners will ask for public comment—anyone present may speak. After the period for public comment is done (which can take several hours in a case like this), the commissioners may ask the Staff, the Applicant, or other parties to provide additional information, and defer their vote to a future meeting. But most likely they will vote right there at this meeting, and make their recommendation: APPROVE or REJECT. This is NOT the final decision—it is their RECOMMENDATION to the Board of Supervisors. This recommendation is submitted to the County Board of Supervisors, who are elected officials. They will also hold a public hearing, probably in January, where they will discuss the matter, take public comment again, and then vote. The County Supervisors make the final decision to APPROVE or REJECT the application. This whole process is governed by Arizona state law. You can see the relevant statutes here: http://www.azleg.gov/search/oop/qfullhit.asp?CiWebHitsFile=/ars/11/00814.htm&CiRestriction=zoning While we are waiting for the public hearing, you may wish to keep the Monastery in your prayers. If you wish to pray for the Commissioners, their names can be found on the Pinal County website ( http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/CommunityDevelopment/Planning/pages/PZcommission.aspx ): Scott Riggins, Chairman Frank Salas Larry Putrick Bill Grubb Clinton Shearer Phillip Hartman, Vice Chairman Mary Aguirre-Vogler Rand Del Cotto Ruben Smyers Charlie Ault The County Supervisors (listed at http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/bos/Pages/Home.aspx ) are: Pete Rios Cheryl Chase Mike Goodman Steve Miller Anthony Smith Todd House (Cheryl Chase's term ends in January, at which point Mike Goodman will take office.) The Pinal County Planning and Zoning Staff (employees of the county) chiefly responsible for the analysis of the application are ( http://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/communitydevelopment/pages/home.aspx ): Himanshu Patel (Director of Community Development) Steven Abraham (Planning Manager) Enrique Bojorquez (Planner assigned to this case) Thank you again for all your support, emails, letters, and prayers! -Seraphim Larsen (The photo was taken standing at the north end of the Monastery parking lot, showing the subject property to the north.)