Council prohibits public camping and restricts traffic median use to pedestrians crossing the street
At its October 21 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance O26-13) prohibiting camping on public property and restricting activity in traffic medians to active road crossers only. The camping restrictions prohibit activities such as setting up shelters, storing personal belongings, and using parked vehicles as living accommodations, except where specifically authorized. The traffic median provisions prohibit people from standing or remaining in a median for any purpose other than temporarily waiting to cross the street. This includes panhandling, distributing flyers, holding signs, or simply standing in the median. The restriction applies regardless of the person's purpose.
At the meeting, Police officials emphasized that education and warnings would precede enforcement. Public camping violations are Class 1 misdemeanors, carrying potential fines of up to $2,500 or six months in jail. Traffic median violations can result in civil traffic citations and fines after a required warning.
Still Unclear Whether Town's Destination Marketing Efforts Are Producing Financial Benefits
At its October 21 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council received a quarterly update on the Town's destination marketing program. Community Economic Development Director Paul Melcher reported approximately $70,000 in new hotel room bookings, expected to generate $4,000 to $6,000 in bed and sales taxes. Another $525,000 in potential bookings could generate approximately $42,000 in additional taxes if secured. Destination Marketing Manager Addie Coleman reported a 290% increase in website traffic over the preceding two months, driven partly by paid advertising.
While these figures indicate some increased marketing activity and some success in attracting bookings, they do not establish whether the program is producing meaningful financial benefits for the Town.
Pusch Ridge Golf Tournament Set For November 20
Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf will hold its annual fall tournament on Friday, November 20, at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course. The event will feature a 9 a.m. shotgun start, limited to 54 golfers, followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m., catered by Fork N Fire. Registration information will be available soon. This year's tournament will honor longtime Pusch Ridge golfer Dorothy New, who passed away October 19. (Source)
Oracle Road Lane Closures Scheduled November 2–6
The Town of Oro Valley will conduct routine median maintenance along Oracle Road (SR 77) from Monday, November 2, through Friday, November 6, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Crews will begin just south of Suffolk Drive and work north toward Big Wash Overlook Drive, trimming vegetation and removing litter and debris. Drivers should expect intermittent closures of the left northbound lane as the work zone moves along Oracle Road. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time, slow down near work crews, and consider alternate routes. For additional information, contact the Town's Public Works Department at 520-229-4850 or PW@orovalleyaz.gov. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
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