Major Planning & Zoning Issue On Tonight's Agenda

Bill Adler, an integral member of the Oro Valley Planning & Zoning Commission sent us the following email. We believe our readers should be aware of this ongoing situation concerning a potential 75' hotel at the Innovation Park area, which would violate OV's Zoning code, which permits only a 36' high structure.
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Art:

As you may recall, the Planning Commission is reviewing a proposal to amend the General Plan. Our first hearing on this matter was the same evening as the proposal to allow the 75' hotel along Tangerine with less setback than required.

The hotel issue was decided based less upon economic development goals than environmental preservation goals. The Commission felt that visual values took precedence over economic values. I believe the vote at the Council will be much closer, and may allow the hotel size and location. Your readers should be mindful of Council agendas and watch for that item.

The General Plan amendment provides a similar determination between environmental and economic objectives. The proposition is that Oro Valley economic vitality requires large employment centers. In order to achieve that major environmental destruction will occur. The area involved, as you remember, is along Innovation Parkway at Tangerine. The area is very rolling with significant vegetation. Proponents support the amendment because the slopes and vegetation is not readily visible from Tangerine or Oracle. The visibility is apparent from Innovation Parkway, and to the hundreds of future employees working at offices planned for development.

It has been my suggestion that the developer require underground parking to preserve more surface space to enhance the attractiveness of the entire area. So far this suggestion is not supported by the staff or the developer. I have also suggested that future buildings be required to comply with LEED criteria at the Gold level. That is unlikely to be accepted.

To approve an amendment to the General Plan, the application is to be consistent with the vision, goals and policies of the General Plan. Reasonable people may differ as to whether an application achieves consistency at an acceptable level. Your readers should pay attention to this item too, as the basic choice between environmental conservation and economic growth continues to drive Oro Valley's future.

The amendment will be discussed at the Commission this evening in a Study Session at 6 pm. If people put in Blue Cards, I will encourage the Chair to allow their testimony. Our final hearing on the Amendment will be next Monday at 6 pm at the Sun City social hall.

Thanks.
Bill Adler