Having had the opportunity to meet, talk to, and listen to Neil Simon, Partner Of Venture West, and David Malin, Project Manager of Vestar, I feel I can justify my opinion of the two developers, and the individuals named.
Neil Simon has not only impressed me, but those who spoke about him at last night's council meeting, as being a man of high integrity, who is certainly trustworthy.
On the other hand, Mr. Malin came across as what he turned out to be: someone not to be trusted as he continues to show total disdain to Oro Valley citizens.
As for the proposed Venture West development, we would share some of the concerns enunciated at the meeting where they received unanimous approval. We're not sure if much of the Innovation Park area to be developed should be used for retail entities but rather for Hi Tech operations and office space. We also wonder if ball fields for the new workers is a necessary use of the limited amount of space.
Having said that, what might be the most impressive part of last nighty's presentation was the fact of Venture West not asking for any kind of subsidies or giveaways. Now, isn't that in itself refreshing!
We wish Venture West a long and prosperous relationship with Oro Valley.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Oro Valley Council Votes "Yes" On "Religous Institutions" As You Neighbor
If you read the Zee Man's posting of Sept 17, he cautions us that the Council voting to approve the "Religious Institution" motion may cause "unintended consequences"
Well, it's a done deal. Mr. Parish, who made the motion to approve, in effect stated, "this is a 'No-Brainer,' " and suggested any vote but "yes" would somehow be against religion in this country.
Mrs. Dankwerth tried her best to use the old "cop out" vote, stating she would rather see a Conditional Use Permit required, in that it would require notification of impacted residents within 600', rather than a development plan, which only requires a notification within 300'. But she still voted "yes."
The good news?
Well, the council was advised by the Planning Director that towns and cities have been victorious in a few of the multitude of law suits generated nationally on this "Religious Institute" policy.
This is going to turn out to be a disaster. Read our posting "Unforseen Consequences" to learn more.
Well, it's a done deal. Mr. Parish, who made the motion to approve, in effect stated, "this is a 'No-Brainer,' " and suggested any vote but "yes" would somehow be against religion in this country.
Mrs. Dankwerth tried her best to use the old "cop out" vote, stating she would rather see a Conditional Use Permit required, in that it would require notification of impacted residents within 600', rather than a development plan, which only requires a notification within 300'. But she still voted "yes."
The good news?
Well, the council was advised by the Planning Director that towns and cities have been victorious in a few of the multitude of law suits generated nationally on this "Religious Institute" policy.
This is going to turn out to be a disaster. Read our posting "Unforseen Consequences" to learn more.
Look Out! Oro Valley Getting Closer To a $160M Park Expenditure!
NEWS FLASH--- COUNCIL APPROVES $50,000 EXPENDITURE AS CONSENT AGENDA ITEM.
Look Out! It's A Consent Agenda Item for Wed Sept 19. Once again, there are those on the OV Council who will not think twice on how they can spend OUR money. Read on.
Terry Parish, the unofficial spokesperson for Vestar's $23.2 giveaway, having told us, "It's A Home Run," is now saying, "It's something we have to do."
The "something" is to spend $50,000 of OUR money to "educate us" on why we should spend $160,000,000 for a park, when we can't even balance our budget without "zapping" the residents for, among other things, a tax on our gas, water & electric bills.
Sure, there are those that think a park is a good idea, and we'd agree. But to even consider spending $160 million for the likes of an aqua center and an amphitheater is in a word, "asinine!"
And, to consider another consultant-----which it seems, this council does on a regular basis, to try and convince us why we need this "monster" park, is ludicrous.
I don't want any $50,000 ---- but I'll "educate" you on why we don't need this park. It's as simple as this. Do Not Spend Money You Don't Have!
Click here to read the explorer article. Then, for those who haven't already written us, saying what they think of this Naranja Park expense, why not do so now?
A Neighbor Questions Oro Valley Expenditure
In his letter in the Sept 18 Explorer, Mr. Kunasz questions the way OV spends our money.
175,000 contract overrun appalling in Oro Valley
I was appalled to read the Sept. 12 article in the EXPLORER on the contract award of $491,979 to K.A.Z. Construction.
The overrun of $175,000 is 55 percent over the original estimate! In engineering estimates, preliminary estimates are calculated to within 25 percent, and then refined to within 15 percent, and finally to a 5-percent final accuracy.
It does not appear that the Oro Valley town engineer did his homework. If the cost of building materials is the culprit, and we know this is an issue these days, was he not aware of this commonly known variable when he reviewed the original bid?
I would strongly recommend that any future bid submitted to Oro Valley be reviewed by an independent consultant. This will greatly benefit the town and cost far less than $175,000!
Ihor A. Kunasz,
retired geologist,
Oro Valley
175,000 contract overrun appalling in Oro Valley
I was appalled to read the Sept. 12 article in the EXPLORER on the contract award of $491,979 to K.A.Z. Construction.
The overrun of $175,000 is 55 percent over the original estimate! In engineering estimates, preliminary estimates are calculated to within 25 percent, and then refined to within 15 percent, and finally to a 5-percent final accuracy.
It does not appear that the Oro Valley town engineer did his homework. If the cost of building materials is the culprit, and we know this is an issue these days, was he not aware of this commonly known variable when he reviewed the original bid?
I would strongly recommend that any future bid submitted to Oro Valley be reviewed by an independent consultant. This will greatly benefit the town and cost far less than $175,000!
Ihor A. Kunasz,
retired geologist,
Oro Valley
Oro Valley Council To Discuss Zoning Amendments
As posted here, the OV Council will probably vote on the "Religious Institution Zoning Issue" at the Wed. Sept 19 meeting @ 7:PM.
In addition, as reported in The Explorer, the previously discussed potential General Plan amendment concerning Neighborhood 3, in Rancho Vistoso, will probably be voted on.
Both of these issues will have a long term impact on the community. It may be your last chance to have your voice heard.
Click here to read The Explorer article.
In addition, as reported in The Explorer, the previously discussed potential General Plan amendment concerning Neighborhood 3, in Rancho Vistoso, will probably be voted on.
Both of these issues will have a long term impact on the community. It may be your last chance to have your voice heard.
Click here to read The Explorer article.
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