Good News As Planning & Zoning Commission Holds Arroyo Grande Public Hearing

After hearing the staff report from the Oro Valley Planning Director, Sarah More, the commissioners asked a number questions.

As Ms. More noted the public concerns were primarily the issues of water, traffic, open space, wildlife linkage, buffer from Sun City & public schools, most of the questions from the commissioners pertained to these issues.

Sadly, there were not many answers forthcoming, and it wasn't until Carolyn Campbell, Executive Director of The Coalition For Sonoran Desert Protection gave her presentation, that good information was gleaned.

I can condense Carolyn's outstanding presentation with one short quote.

"Arroyo Grande Should Not Be Developed."

In fact, it hopefully will not be developed. Although it is a little early, it appears the statewide initiative to protect Arroyo Grande and many other state owned lands has gotten enough signatures to be on the Nov. ballot.

If so, and it passes, which we expect it will, there is a good chance what remains of the 9106 acres of Arroyo Grande will not ever get developed.

Might it now be a good time for Oro Valley to hold off and not expend any funds on a pre-annexation agreement? Commission Chair Doug McKee basically asked that question.

We believe the answer is "wait until the election results!"

The next P & Z public hearing is scheduled for Sept 2.

For those who may have missed the July 1 hearing, the audio should be available on the OV web site shortly.