Council last night got an update on the interest level of Tucson Museum of Art (TMA) locating in Oro Valley. The town has 5 sites identified, as we've previously noted.
Museum Director, Robert Knight, in his remarks to council said they are interested in "expanding north" to increase the number of members from the current level of 3,000. Makes sense to us.
They've outgrown their campus. Parking and a lack of city interest is driving them out of town. They are exploring all options. Locating in Oro Valley would give them a closer match to their constituents. They need 5 acres for a new museum. And they are willing to change their name!
Council agreed to direct the town to submit a letter of interest to Tucson Museum of Art, discussing all five sites.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Council On Notice Regarding Real Concerns About Arroyo Grande
Three of our bloggers spoke at last night's council meeting regarding Arroyo Grande. At issue: the number of residencies that are planned for growth will double the population of Oro Valley and the impact of Arroyo Grande on our quality of life.
Gerri Ottobani voiced her concerns about lack of water that could be caused by growth in Arroyo Grande, asking council to “exercise control over our water supply”. “Turn down any option that will.. drain down our aquifer".
Pat Kinsman wants the council to discuss why the town is considering doubling the size of the town through Arroyo Grande. She notes that questions posted to the town on the impact of Arroyo Grande on roads and traffic have not been answered.
Phil Gibbs noted that 38,000 people will be living there. The increased traffic would require an impossible widening of Oracle Road. He notes that we, the current residents of Oro Valley will pay for much of it.
There's a hearing tonight on it. See our listing of upcoming events.
Get on top of this thing. Attend.
Gerri Ottobani voiced her concerns about lack of water that could be caused by growth in Arroyo Grande, asking council to “exercise control over our water supply”. “Turn down any option that will.. drain down our aquifer".
Pat Kinsman wants the council to discuss why the town is considering doubling the size of the town through Arroyo Grande. She notes that questions posted to the town on the impact of Arroyo Grande on roads and traffic have not been answered.
Phil Gibbs noted that 38,000 people will be living there. The increased traffic would require an impossible widening of Oracle Road. He notes that we, the current residents of Oro Valley will pay for much of it.
There's a hearing tonight on it. See our listing of upcoming events.
Get on top of this thing. Attend.
Malin Update: No Upscale Here
David Malin appeared at last night's council meeting and provided an oral list of signed tenants for the Oro Valley Marketplace. Included are: Altel Wireless, Best buy, Bikes Direct, Chase Bank, Danny's Convenience, Dick's Sporting Goods, Famous Footwear, Olive Garden, Petco, Red Lobser, Verizon and, of course, Wal-Mart. All are supposed to open by the end of October, as is the 12 screen theater.
Absent are Old Navy, Michaels, and Staples. These as Council Person Garner noted, are tenants listed per the Vestar Web Site.
Malin noted that 50% of the large pads are leased and that 50% of the retail space has been leased. In other words, lots of unoccupied space.
When asked by Council Person Abbott if he would appear in six months of so to discuss Oro Valley Marketplace projected revenues, Malin said he was not the person to talk to on this.
Malin did say that Vestar has been unable to get "lifestyle retailers" interested in the marketplace. Examples of lifestyle retailers include Chico's, Ann Taylor LOFT, and JoS. A. Bank Clothiers.
The list of retailers is certainly not upscale and, well, just ordinary. Many are in direct competition to retailers already located in Oro Valley, like Sports Authority, Big Five Sports and Fry's
No upscale here!
Absent are Old Navy, Michaels, and Staples. These as Council Person Garner noted, are tenants listed per the Vestar Web Site.
Malin noted that 50% of the large pads are leased and that 50% of the retail space has been leased. In other words, lots of unoccupied space.
When asked by Council Person Abbott if he would appear in six months of so to discuss Oro Valley Marketplace projected revenues, Malin said he was not the person to talk to on this.
Malin did say that Vestar has been unable to get "lifestyle retailers" interested in the marketplace. Examples of lifestyle retailers include Chico's, Ann Taylor LOFT, and JoS. A. Bank Clothiers.
The list of retailers is certainly not upscale and, well, just ordinary. Many are in direct competition to retailers already located in Oro Valley, like Sports Authority, Big Five Sports and Fry's
No upscale here!
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