The Old Bisbee High Lofts project developer provided a project update on the transformation of the Old Bisbee High School (OBHS) and has gone on the record stating ongoing bureaucratic and technical challenges have delayed the issuance of the necessary 100-year Assured Water Supply certificate in order for his project to move forward.

Joseph Lewis, Developer of the Old Bisbee Lofts said, “following approval from the city in 2024, we initiated the Subdivision Public Report process, a mandatory disclosure document for selling subdivided lots, which is required for all new housing developments in Arizona. This is a key requirement for obtaining a Public Report is the issuance of a Certificate of 100-year Assured Water Supply by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR). Although Arizona Water, Bisbee’s private water provider, has confirmed sufficient system capacity to serve the project, ongoing bureaucratic and technical challenges have delayed issuance of this certificate.”

Lewis added the situation extends beyond the OBHS project and that no new housing developments can move forward in the city until the matter is resolved.