Developer Exits Widely Criticized Pinal County, Ariz., Home Project.

Apr. 12--The controversial developer of La Osa Ranch in southern Pinal County has agreed to sell the land, igniting critics' hopes that a new owner will scale back the 30,000-home project.

Johnson International officials said Friday that they are selling La Osa Ranch property to the Tempe-based Wolfswinkel Group. Neither party would disclose a price.

Pinal County Supervisor Lionel Ruiz said he hopes a new owner will go back to the drawing board.

"If he does anything, it will have to be different," said Ruiz, who represents the area. "Just knowing the problems we have had, anything done now will have to be a little different."

The new owners …