Following is an endorsement from the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection for the Oro Valley General Plan Amendment for Arroyo Grande.
Please try to attend this Town Council Nov. 19 meeting.
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We have come a long way from where we started when we first heard that there was a proposal to develop over 9000 acres of biologically valuable State Trust Land north of Oro Valley. We are very pleased to report that the collaborative process between the Coalition, Oro Valley, Pima County, and the Arizona State Land Department has resulted in a development plan which far exceeds the original submittal regarding conservation. This type of collaboration is extremely important since there are currently no other options to conserve State Trust Land other than competing with developers to acquire the land at public auction. (The Coalition had hoped and expected that citizens would have had the opportunity to vote on a State Trust Land Conservation Initiative this year, but unfortunately that was not the case. For a variety of reasons the initiative was removed from the ballot. We will continue to work toward amending the Arizona constitution to allow for the conservation of state lands.)
Prior to annexation into the Town, the Coalition requested that a number of concerns be addressed by Oro Valley. We are happy to report that a majority of those issues have been addressed.
The Oro Valley Town Council has adopted the SDCP Conservation Lands System, which will apply conservation guidelines and ensure that important biological resources within the Arroyo Grande planning area will be protected. Natural undisturbed open space has been clearly indentified, will be located in common areas rather than in backyards, and provides a buffer to the already protected Tortolita Mountain Park. And importantly, a kilometer-wide wildlife linkage is proposed for protection, utilizing a corridor design created by Dr. Paul Beier, a researcher at Northern Arizona University specializing in wildlife connectivity. This linkage design coincides with the Critical Landscape Connection adopted and defined by the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
The Coalition continues to work with Oro Valley on issues concerning Arroyo Grande, such as adopting a management plan for the natural undisturbed open space, identifying a funding source for management, and developing a joint proposal with Pima County, the AZ Department of Transportation, and the AZ Game and Fish Department to construct wildlife crossing structures along State Route 77 / Oracle Road.
The Oro Valley Town Council has demonstrated that they are willing to be a regional conservation partner through the adoption of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. Furthermore the Town has included strong water policies that are the first of their kind in the region. One such policy reads:
If it is determined that renewable water is not available for a proposed development within the Arroyo Grande Area, the developer will be required to convey to the Town sufficient additional renewable water supply to serve the demands of the development in addition to payment of water impact fees. Any conveyance will be “wet” water and not “paper” water transfers.
This policy should be applauded and seeks to protect the ground water levels directly under Oro Valley, rather than allowing developers to purchase credits through recharge efforts miles away on the other side of the Tucson Mountains. Furthermore, this type of policy should be utilized by other jurisdictions including, and within, Pima County.
There are still issues that must be addressed, but we are pleased to be able to support what is before the Mayor and Council on November 19th. The current plan complies with the Conservation Lands System, protects the critical landscape linkage between the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains, and maintains the integrity of riparian systems.
Please let your views be known on issues contained within this plan amendment. The Oro Valley Town Council is scheduled to hear the General Plan Amendment for Arroyo Grande on November 19th. Major and Council meeting are held at Oro Valley Council Chambers at 11000 North La Cañada Drive. Meetings usually begin at 6 PM.
Sean Sullivan
Associate Director
Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
300 E. University Blvd., Suite 120
Tucson, AZ 85705
Ph: 520-388-9925
Fx: 520-791-7709
www.sonorandesert.org
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Oro Valley Neighbor Says Naranja Bond Defeat Was The Right Decision
In a letter to The Explorer, Oro Valley resident Ray Lewandowski says why the Naranja Bond vote was the right decision.
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OV made the right decision on park bonds
To those of you who may be having second thoughts about the way the Naranja Park vote turned out, let me set your mind at ease.
We wouldn’t be the first community that was lured into starting a property tax for an attractive sounding project, only to find out later that it is a a lot easier to add new taxes for other projects once a new taxation practice is started.
If you think that it was a mistake to turn the bonds down, just call down to one of your neighbors in Tucson, with a property of similar value, and ask then what they are paying in property taxes.
Let me put it another way. On page three of Henry Suozzi’s book “A History of Oro Valley,” an interesting tidbit appears. It seems that the original petitioners of the town’s incorporation (there were 644 of them ) signed in large part because there would be no property taxes, but annexation by Tucson would have meant the tax would be imposed. This occurred in 1970.
These petitioners are now much older, of course, but we owe them everything, especially the power to run our own affairs. The ones that are left find themselves vastly outnumbered by us “newcomers,” and it would have been easy for us to impose a tax on everyone, including them. Well, this is Oro Valley, not Tucson. We don’t do stuff like that here.
You did a good thing with this vote, Oro Valley! Please stick to your guns! You were right.
Ray Lewandowski
Oro Valley
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OV made the right decision on park bonds
To those of you who may be having second thoughts about the way the Naranja Park vote turned out, let me set your mind at ease.
We wouldn’t be the first community that was lured into starting a property tax for an attractive sounding project, only to find out later that it is a a lot easier to add new taxes for other projects once a new taxation practice is started.
If you think that it was a mistake to turn the bonds down, just call down to one of your neighbors in Tucson, with a property of similar value, and ask then what they are paying in property taxes.
Let me put it another way. On page three of Henry Suozzi’s book “A History of Oro Valley,” an interesting tidbit appears. It seems that the original petitioners of the town’s incorporation (there were 644 of them ) signed in large part because there would be no property taxes, but annexation by Tucson would have meant the tax would be imposed. This occurred in 1970.
These petitioners are now much older, of course, but we owe them everything, especially the power to run our own affairs. The ones that are left find themselves vastly outnumbered by us “newcomers,” and it would have been easy for us to impose a tax on everyone, including them. Well, this is Oro Valley, not Tucson. We don’t do stuff like that here.
You did a good thing with this vote, Oro Valley! Please stick to your guns! You were right.
Ray Lewandowski
Oro Valley
Cheryl Smith Offers A Proposal For Arroyo Grande
In her letter to The Explorer, Cheryl Smith suggests Arroyo Grande to be a Hi Tech area. Her letter is below.
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OV should back high tech, few homes on parcel
Oro Valley is seriously considering annexing thousands of acres called Arroyo Grande just north of our town. Since this is one of the most important decisions facing the town and surrounding communities, there are many factors to consider before this decision is made.
Water sustainability and traffic are two of the most important and thus far, I have not heard any acceptable answers.
Aside from open space and wildlife concerns, the remainder of Arroyo Grande should be zoned only for medical, solar, biotech and related industries. These types of industries are clean, and offer high-paying careers that would enhance the sagging economic situation facing all communities.
Oro Valley would benefit through an increase in home values and sales taxes generated by businesses in the area.
Powerful agencies at the state, county and local levels reiterate that due to certain stipulations we’ve made in the form of open space, they must have 16,000 homes. I reject that suggestion and implore this council to reject any proposal with so many homes.
I also respectfully urge the council to work with its legal staff to determine if the state land threat to give control of Arroyo Grande to the town of Marana is real or otherwise. I would like to see a legal opinion from the Oro Valley staff in writing and hear it discussed at a future council meeting before the general plan is changed or Arroyo Grande is annexed.
Oro Valley is the “plum” the state land department covets. With our zip code, the developers will reap the largest amount of income on their investment. To me, that sounds like a powerful negotiating tool. Therefore, I strongly urge this council to seriously consider high tech and protection of the critical open space and wildlife corridors.
The Town of Oro Valley can make it happen. I urge those citizens who agree with this proposal to write their local, county and state officials with a high tech proposal.
Cheryl Smith
Oro Valley
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OV should back high tech, few homes on parcel
Oro Valley is seriously considering annexing thousands of acres called Arroyo Grande just north of our town. Since this is one of the most important decisions facing the town and surrounding communities, there are many factors to consider before this decision is made.
Water sustainability and traffic are two of the most important and thus far, I have not heard any acceptable answers.
Aside from open space and wildlife concerns, the remainder of Arroyo Grande should be zoned only for medical, solar, biotech and related industries. These types of industries are clean, and offer high-paying careers that would enhance the sagging economic situation facing all communities.
Oro Valley would benefit through an increase in home values and sales taxes generated by businesses in the area.
Powerful agencies at the state, county and local levels reiterate that due to certain stipulations we’ve made in the form of open space, they must have 16,000 homes. I reject that suggestion and implore this council to reject any proposal with so many homes.
I also respectfully urge the council to work with its legal staff to determine if the state land threat to give control of Arroyo Grande to the town of Marana is real or otherwise. I would like to see a legal opinion from the Oro Valley staff in writing and hear it discussed at a future council meeting before the general plan is changed or Arroyo Grande is annexed.
Oro Valley is the “plum” the state land department covets. With our zip code, the developers will reap the largest amount of income on their investment. To me, that sounds like a powerful negotiating tool. Therefore, I strongly urge this council to seriously consider high tech and protection of the critical open space and wildlife corridors.
The Town of Oro Valley can make it happen. I urge those citizens who agree with this proposal to write their local, county and state officials with a high tech proposal.
Cheryl Smith
Oro Valley
Oro Valley Water Rates to Increase By 8%
As reported in the Nov 12 Explorer, there's more bad news for Oro Valley residents. The Town Council, with only 4 members present voted to increase the water rates. The new tiered rates will go into effect Dec. 6.
Read the article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/11/13/news/doc491a17ae0e3b1402601621.txt
Read the article here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/11/13/news/doc491a17ae0e3b1402601621.txt
More News On Naranja Bond Issue
The Nov. 12 Explorer & Nov. 13 Az Star reported on the recent results of the Naranja Bond Issue.
Read the articles here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/11/13/news/doc491a154e98ec7650162939.txt
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85737/266713
Read the articles here.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/11/13/news/doc491a154e98ec7650162939.txt
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/85737/266713
Oro Valley And Phoenix Both Lose With Multi-Million Dollar Giveaways
The Goldwater Institute will be in court on Nov. 25 in an attempt to overrule the lower court decision giving the City North developer nearly $100 million in a subsidy.
As pointed out, the Phoenix issue is too many high priced retailers. Our issue is the main anchor store at the "upscale" Marketplace is Walmart and their Chinese imports.
We think both communities are the losers with these unwarranted giveaways!
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The Goldwater Institute Daily
November 13, 2008
City North opening not grand for taxpayers
by Carrie Ann Sitren
Today is the Grand Opening of a development that took nearly $100 million from Phoenix taxpayers to be built. There, you are encouraged to "explore inspiring art galleries, refreshing landscaped parks and cascading fountains." You'll enjoy "entertainment in live-performance spaces . . . each step will be a journey of discovery."
But it's not a new art museum, park, or theater. In fact, the Children's Museum of Art, Phoenix Central Library, and even the 20-story City Hall building were all constructed for a fraction of the cost of this mammoth attraction. This tax beneficiary is a private, luxury shopping mall.
"City North," located in north Phoenix, features "fashion-forward designer boutiques," and "bistro and sidewalk café's" - all, of course, to make a profit. Given today's economy, many taxpayers won't even be able to afford to shop at this high-end retail center. Why are they being forced to subsidize it?
The reason lies in city bidding wars. The city that offers the biggest payout gets to reap the sales taxes that big shopping centers bring in. Gilbert won a 17-dealer auto complex at a cost of $60 million, and the Scottsdale city council offered Wal-Mart and other big-box stores $36.7 million to build there.
Gilbert Mayor Steve Berman later regretted the handout, stating, "We shouldn't have taxpayer-funded turf wars between cities", and Scottsdale voters referred their city's subsidy to the ballot and stopped the deal.
In Phoenix, it will take a state court to reverse the flow of funds to City North. The Arizona Court of Appeals will hear arguments by the Goldwater Institute on November 25 that the mall subsidy violates the Arizona Constitution's Gift Clause, Special Law Clause, and Equal Privileges and Immunities Clause.
With a price tag of nearly $100 million in taxpayer dollars, Phoenicians may not find this mall's opening grand at all.
Carrie Ann Sitren is an attorney with the Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation.
As pointed out, the Phoenix issue is too many high priced retailers. Our issue is the main anchor store at the "upscale" Marketplace is Walmart and their Chinese imports.
We think both communities are the losers with these unwarranted giveaways!
***************************************************************************************
The Goldwater Institute Daily
November 13, 2008
City North opening not grand for taxpayers
by Carrie Ann Sitren
Today is the Grand Opening of a development that took nearly $100 million from Phoenix taxpayers to be built. There, you are encouraged to "explore inspiring art galleries, refreshing landscaped parks and cascading fountains." You'll enjoy "entertainment in live-performance spaces . . . each step will be a journey of discovery."
But it's not a new art museum, park, or theater. In fact, the Children's Museum of Art, Phoenix Central Library, and even the 20-story City Hall building were all constructed for a fraction of the cost of this mammoth attraction. This tax beneficiary is a private, luxury shopping mall.
"City North," located in north Phoenix, features "fashion-forward designer boutiques," and "bistro and sidewalk café's" - all, of course, to make a profit. Given today's economy, many taxpayers won't even be able to afford to shop at this high-end retail center. Why are they being forced to subsidize it?
The reason lies in city bidding wars. The city that offers the biggest payout gets to reap the sales taxes that big shopping centers bring in. Gilbert won a 17-dealer auto complex at a cost of $60 million, and the Scottsdale city council offered Wal-Mart and other big-box stores $36.7 million to build there.
Gilbert Mayor Steve Berman later regretted the handout, stating, "We shouldn't have taxpayer-funded turf wars between cities", and Scottsdale voters referred their city's subsidy to the ballot and stopped the deal.
In Phoenix, it will take a state court to reverse the flow of funds to City North. The Arizona Court of Appeals will hear arguments by the Goldwater Institute on November 25 that the mall subsidy violates the Arizona Constitution's Gift Clause, Special Law Clause, and Equal Privileges and Immunities Clause.
With a price tag of nearly $100 million in taxpayer dollars, Phoenicians may not find this mall's opening grand at all.
Carrie Ann Sitren is an attorney with the Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation.
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