Patty Estes Responds To Recent Explorer Editorial--Re: Kai Property

We previously took exception to this same editorial in a recent posting. Explorer Editorial: "Let's Deal Straight Up"

Below is Patty Estes. letter printed in the July 2 Explorer.
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In OV, there are no backroom developer deals

This letter is in response to “Let’s Deal Straight Up,” June 18.

It is interesting that the editor did not mention the Oro Valley General Plan even once in the editorial. The Kais, prosperous Marana businessmen, were seeking a major amendment to the general plan, ratified by the Oro Valley voters in 2005. All stakeholders, including the Kais, were part of that process. In addition, the general plan process clearly defines the numerous public meetings which are required to take place before a major amendment can even be heard before the town council. Only one such meeting had taken place before the Kais withdrew their proposal.

The editor stated that the neighbors don’t want more neighbors. The current General Plan designation allows 255 homes (roughly three times what current zoning allows for that property) plus a neighborhood commercial area. This hardly constitutes denying the Kais use of their property. The current general plan protects riparian areas, open space, and slopes, and encourages clustering. These were not added by the recent proposal.

Yes, many residents do worry about incompatible uses adjacent to their homes. In fact, industrial / commercial / professional parks often do not want to be adjacent to residential areas. Ventana Medical even sued the town of Oro Valley when they changed the zoning on an adjacent parcel to residential. The purpose of zoning regulations is to ensure that uses are compatible, benefit the community, and reduce conflict. The standards for infill are necessarily more stringent than when developing property with no existing neighbors.

I am very curious as to what the editor means by Oro Valley being surrounded by “relative mess.” Is he referring to Marana and unincorporated Pima County?

When the town of Oro Valley follows the rules outlined in the general plan, it inspires confidence in the residents. Contrary to the feelings of the editor, this experience goes a long way to restoring the faith of the citizens in the processes of government. It allows all sides to be heard in public meetings and dispels the notion that backroom deals with developers are business as usual in Oro Valley.

Patty Estes

Oro Valley