Pinal County supervisors paved the way Wednesday for a massive master-planned community to be built near Oracle despite nearly three hours of protests from area residents. 

       Willow Springs South Village would bring 8,516 new homes to 4,600 acres about 15 miles northwest of Oracle. The master plan includes retail and service developments, open spaces, golf courses and bike paths. It would average 1.9 homes per acre and could bring 50,000 people to a desert area where the nearest community numbers 3,500. The supervisors, who unanimously approved the developer's rezoning request Wednesday, said it was the best way to ensure that the inevitable growth coming to the once-rural county is quality growth. 

       The area's current zoning would have allowed developers to build 3,700 homes on 1 1/4 acre lots, Supervisor Sandie Smith said. The rezoning allows for greater density, but also requires developers to provide the needed streets, drainage, schools and other infrastructure improvements, she said. 

Supervisor Lionel Ruiz said he understands the residents who want to "shut the door behind them" and protect the natural beauty of the area. 

       "I don't want to see a bunch of red-tiled roofs all over the county," Ruiz said. "We can find balance." 

       Project critics worry that there isn't enough groundwater in the area to support such a development and that it will destroy the area's pristine desert environment. 

       "This is utopia, please don't change it," area resident Jack Waldon said. 

       Alex Argueta, a consultant to the Oro Valley-based Remington Group, said it will take as long as three years for construction to begin because of required permits and studies. The location, he said, is perfect for capturing growth spilling from both Phoenix and Tucson. 
Despite the developer's environmentally friendly pledges, many residents remained unconvinced. 

       A meeting was planned for Wednesday in Oracle to talk about a possible referendum, and at least one speaker told the supervisors their decision could affect their re-election. 
"Look at your constituents," one local resident told the three-member board. "Few of us live in townhouses and want to play golf."