Neighbors to a 541-unit manufactured home community proposed for an area surrounded by large rural lots and horse ranches south of Maricopa aren’t exactly thrilled with the project. But despite the county receiving over 200 letters of protest about the proposed development and county staffs’ own recommendation that the project be turned away, the Board of Supervisors have voiced a different opinion.

In other area news, prickly pear has long been a coveted delicacy in some parts of the world, including Arizona. A much-awaited festival where the prickly pear is the star of the show will return to Superior later this month. If you’re a PinalCentral subscriber, you can get the details on the highly anticipated Prickly Pear Festival here.

There was also some big news for Arizona this week, as President Joe Biden has chosen to designate land surrounding the Grand Canyon as a national monument. The designation will have a big impact for Native tribes and environmentalist alike, preserving cultural heritage and addressing concerns over climate change.