John Musolf Questions The Wisdom Of Having The Museum Of Art In Oro Valley

John Musolf has been an outstanding contributor to this blog. In his letter to The Explorer, we can only hope that John's take on the potential of having the Tucson Museum of Art relocating to Oro Valley is incorrect.

Robert Knight, the museum's director will address the OV Council at their Sept 3 meeting. We believe, the addition of the museum will be a giant plus for Oro Valley.
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In OV, a $203M budget appears to be inadequate

The Oro Valley Town Council just approved a 203 million dollar budget.

Let’s spend more.

The Tucson Museum of Art has outgrown its downtown facility and is in search of new space.

Last month, museum officials began informal talks about relocating to or opening a branch in Oro Valley or Marana. I believe the museum is using TOV as a bargaining chip against Tucson.

The town manager said he would try to bring the matter before the town council in September, setting in motion a plan to bring the museum to Oro Valley.

TOV may want to spend time and taxpayer money for a plan and hire a consultant.

The TOV would also want to give the museum tax incentives and include it in a future phase of the Naranja Town Site and add more to the proposed secondary property tax.

Another way to spend our tax money.

John Musolf

Oro Valley

Why The State Land (Prop. 103) Was So Important

In the Aug 27 Explorer, reporter Patrick McNamara clarifies much of why the State Land Initiative was so important to Oro Valley and the surrounding area.

Here is an excerpt from his article.

"At least two-thirds of the 9,100-acre state holding north of Oro Valley, which town leaders have sought to annex, would forever remain free from development if the ballot measure passes.

If voters approve the change, the county no longer would have to focus on state land holdings. Instead, local officials would seek to buy privately held properties.

The coming months may prove crucial for the county’s conservation program.

The ballot measure’s passage could take thousands of Pima County acres off the table forever.

But its failure could pave the way for more sprawl as Southern Arizona’s population continues to swell."

Sadly, it appears this initiative will not be on the Nov. ballot.

Read the complete Explorer article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/08/27/news/doc48b482801e1aa688516392.txt

New Arroyo Grande Map Is Unveiled

As reported in the Aug 27 Explorer, at a recent Oro Valley meeting, a new Arroyo Grande map was unveiled.

A Planning and Zoning Commission hearing is planned for Thursday, Sept 4 at 6 p.m. at Casas Church, 10801 N. La Cholla Blvd. (Please note: Explorer article has wrong date for this important meeting.)

Read the details here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/08/27/news/doc48b47c76d9634081005642.txt