Jasper Community Life’s Executive Director Marlo Dykeman sat with Jasper Eco Dev LLC, the developer of Jasper and the J Club. Questions asked during interview are those most commonly received by staff and submitted by Jasper residents.
The following questions are excerpts from the interview. Watch the full video for more details and information.
1. What goes into building a master planned community?
The public starts to see building and development years after a project has been conceptualized. In 2013, Jasper Eco Dev LLC (JED) made a 15,000-acre ranch land purchase. In 2014, the town of Prescott Valley annexed 1,200 acres in the far southeast corner where Jasper sits and was zoned for residential development, up to 3,450 housing units.
Developers must adhere to specific requirements set forth in the development agreement. In the case of Jasper, JED must ensure a portion of natural, or native, land is left untouched, and provide adequate active parks. Active parks can include pocket or community parks and dog parks.
Another requirement was for JED to construct a trailhead with parking for the Iron King Trail. The trailhead will be part of phase three development and will include 60 parking spaces, restrooms, water, and a shade structure. The trailhead will be dedicated to the town of Prescott Valley at completion at which time they will take over the maintenance.
Developing a master planned community also requires some risk in the form of financial investment. To date, JED has invested $152 million dollars in the development of Jasper.
2. Why is phase 5 being built before phase 4?
Phasing in Jasper isn’t entirely intended to be sequential by number. Phasing is meant to offer a plan and timeline for development and a way to distinguish between different products. The development of each phase depends on market conditions and the desire to offer homes at a variety of price points.
Development of phase three is complete and the first homes are expected to be ready for market in 18 months. There are 270 premium lots in phase three located on Glassford Hill. Phase five will be the next phase developed.
Phase four will be in the southwest corner of Jasper. There is no start date or timeline for this phase. Phase four lots are expected to be premium lots that back to open spaces, views of the valley, and easy access to the Iron King Trail.
Jasper phases timeline:
- 2017 – development of phase one starts
- 2020 – phase one opened with 362 lots
- 2021 – phase two development complete, houses started to build
- 2023 – phase three development complete, houses in about 18 months
3. What impacts an increase in J Club membership dues?
Previously, there was an adjustment to rebalance the cost of construction with membership dues. The cost of building and operation of the J Club exceeded initial estimates due to the increased cost of supplies and labor. To maintain the clubhouse and grounds to its members’ expectations, there must be a balance of dues and operational costs and the ability to place money in reserves for future maintenance needs.
4. Why are certain phases exempt from J Club membership?
The J Club was designed to accommodate 1,500 occupied dwellings. Jasper is zoned for up to 3,450 occupied dwellings, which could create an overcrowding situation. With this in mind, the decision was to make certain phases exempt from required J Club membership.
5. Do you have an update on Jasper Parkway South?
JED’s goal is to have Jasper Parkway South connect to Highway 69 between December of this year and March of next year. Construction timelines can fluctuate on supply chain issues, labor availability, and weather delays.
6. What has been done about the dog park's poor drainage?
JED has added drainage and made improvements to the area. Once a monsoon hits with heavy rainfall, they will be able to assess if more work is needed.
7. Will there be any additional resident amenities?
JED has land available in Jasper with plans to build a second amenity for residents. When they are ready to start development, they will look for input from residents on what they would like to have. Some residents have already asked for a dog park for smaller or timid dogs and a playground, which could be possibilities.
A quote is in the works for heating the larger J Club pool. JED feels this is a priority over additional amenities.
Questions?
Have a follow-up question? Feel free to contact the Jasper Community Life team at jasper@coherelife.com.