Guest View-John Musolf: Oro Valley Growth To Have Huge Impact on Amphi School Enrollment

In June, we posted:  "Watch Oro Valley Grow"  In it, we discussed the substantial growth in housing and commerce that is taking place in Oro Valley.

In the following guest view, John Musolf discusses this growth and its substantial impact on the Amphi Schools
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In Oro Valley, Development is on the rise.

In a recent article on February 20, 2013 in the Explorer Newspaper, Paul Keesler, Director of Development and Infrastructure Services for Oro Valley stated:

“For several years, as our nation struggled through a downturned economy, the Town of Oro Valley also experienced a sharp decrease in development activity. Although we are still on the mend, a quick look back to fiscal year 2011‐12 shows that development is on the rise, and there are some very exciting projects in the pipeline”.

Development is good for town growth from both a residential community and business economic standpoint.  [Publisher Note: It is also good from the Town Of Oro Valley's perspective because it collects substantial revenues from construction permits and fees. These fees exceeded the planned amount for fiscal 2013.]

Let’s look at some of the recent residential approvals:

• Ross Rulney: corner of Linda Vista and Oracle -220 apartments
• San Dorado: corner of First Avenue and Oracle – 274 apartments
• Encantada: north of Steam Pump Village – 270 apartments
• Hohokam Mesa:  Rancho Vistoso and Moore Road – 80 homes
• Macaray:  (Donut Hole) end of La Canada – 345 homes
• Parcel 10-T: Rancho Vistoso and Vistoso  Highlands- 25-40 homes

There are also some proposed future developments:

• KAI: First and Palasides – 195 homes
• Miller Ranch:  Neighborhood meetings in progress
• Olson Property;  Neighborhood meetings in progress

What impact will the addition of 694 apartments and in excess of 600-700 new homes have on the classroom size, teachers, and busing for the Amphi School District elementary, middle, and high schools?
It is imperative that the Town of Oro Valley and the Amphi School District hold some public informational meetings to discuss this issue.
What do you think?
John Musolf
Oro Valley Resident