Oro Valley Opens Public Discussion Of "Fast-Tracking" Innovation Park Projects

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In "Fast Tracking Innovation Park" we discussed a process that Oro Valley is considering.  It is the fast-tracking of construction project approvals for projects that are to be built in Innovation Park.  The idea is to create an "overlay district" for this area.

Fast-tracking would apply when the developer agrees that the project will meet or exceed all exiting Oro Valley zoning and construction requirements.  Instead of time-consuming board reviews and approvals, town staff would administer the entire approval process.  There would be no public hearings. 

One reason for fast-tracking Innovation Park projects is a belief that doing such would give Oro Valley a competitive advantage over other towns when attracting business. This is because fast-tracking should reduce construction process timing by six months or more, saving not only time but also money.  A second reason is that faster construction means that the facility is open more quickly, thus bringing jobs to Oro Valley more quickly.

In June, the council asked the Oro Valley Development and Infrastructure Department to further study fast-tracking.

The town is seeking public input.

The following meetings are planned:

"On Monday, August 20, the Town will host stakeholder meeting to solicit input. Invitees include Sanofi-Aventis, Ventana-Roche, Oro Valley Hospital, Vistoso Partners, Southwest Parks and Monuments, Cottonwood Properties, Rancho Vistoso HOA, Venture West and Innovation Corporate Center tenants.

A meeting for residents and the general public will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Ventana-Roche cafeteria, 1910 E. Innovation Park Drive. An overview and timeline of the project will be presented, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Subsequent to these meetings, a public hearing will be scheduled with the Town of Oro Valley Planning & Zoning commission for further consideration of the overlay district."  (Source: Oro Valley Press Release, August 16 2012)."

We hope that many of our neighbors will participate.
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