Still No Short Term “Fix” Announced For Pedestrian Safety At Naranja Park Entrance

Long term solution in sight… but no short term fix

Tomorrow night, the Oro Valley Town Council will approve an agreement that should be a long term fix to the problem of pedestrian safety at the entrance to Naranja Park. The plan is for that solution will be in place by the fall of 2025. In the meantime, despite the concerns of many, the town has announced nothing to improve pedestrian safety from now until then.

ADOT will build the path

The long term fix is an agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to build a ten foot wide multi-use path (MUP) on the Northside of Naranja Drive. The two mile path path will run from LaCanada to First Avenue. Pedestrians using the path on that side of the road will be relatively safe. Hopefully, there will be some sidewalks and pedestrian controlled traffic lights so those  on the south side can safely cross to the MUP and the park walk-in entrance.

No cost to town

"The total project cost is estimated at $3,656,434 and is funded by federal Regional Transportation Alternatives Grants (RTAG) in the amount of $3,448,017 or 94.3% of the total project cost. The required local match will be funded by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) funds in the amount of $208,417 or 5.7% of the total project cost." (Source: Staff Request to Council, 6-7-23) The council approved a resolution last November to receive the RTA funds. It is because of a federal funding requirements that ADOT will build the MUP.

Project has started but completion is a long way off

“ADOT advertised for a design consultant on May 8, 2023, and anticipates making a selection by May 29, 2023. The next steps will include a Project Assessment or Design Concept Report, clearances for environmental, right-of-way and utilities, and 30%, 60%, 95%, and 100% design submittals (as applicable). The schedule estimates that construction will be advertised in mid-August 2024 and start in November 2024. Construction is tentative to be complete in the summer to early fall of 2025.” (Source: Staff Request to Council, 6-7-23)

No fix in the works to improve pedestrian safety has been announced… one is in the works

The town has not announced any plan to improve pedestrian safety in the area.  However, we have learned that there is plan afoot to do something. We will inform you of this as we learn more.

 - - -

Short Stuff: Last Week's Council Meeting

Last week's Oro Valley council meeting was brief. Here's some of what transpired:

Call To The Audience

Oro Valley Should Check On It's Liability

Oro Valley resident John Musolf discussed the fact that Oro Valley may be legally liable when something goes wrong with one of the inter-governmantal task forces that it participates.  He referenced the recently report Pima County Drug Task Force settlement.  A wrongful death cost Oro Valley $100,000 from the general fund.  John noted other areas where Liability could occur including the archery center in Naranja Park and the Oro Valley Aquatic center.     John recommended the town look into these and other agreements to understand the potential liability could be.  Councilmember Zinkin and requested  Town Manager Caton  follow-up on John's suggestion.

Later in the meeting, John spoke of the impact of growth in Oro Valley on Amphi school enrollment.  He estimates 600-700 new homes and 764 apartments housing families that will be coming on-line in the near future.  He asked that the town hold public informational meetings with school district to let them know of Oro Valley's growth.  Town Manager Caton stated that the town does inform and communicate with the district.

Oracle Widening Project Update

Robin Rain of ADOT gave an update on the Oracle Road widening project, from Tangerine to the Pinal County line.  When done, the road will look like the section if Oracle south of Tangerine.  Construction, starting in early 2014, will take 2 years.  The road will have 10' shoulders for bike lanes.  There will be 2 wildlife crossings, one in Oro Valley and one north of the Pima County refuse center in Pinal County.  There will be fencing to direct the animals to the crossing.

70 properties will get the benefit of a sound wall, in four areas on the roadway.  The wall will be concrete masonry block, about 15 feet tall in total.  It will have a pattern with different colors and texture on the side viewable from the roadway.

Click here to learn more.

Consent Agenda Approved In Total

The consent agenda, which included inkind support for the USA Triathlon National Duathlon Championships, was approved in total. The event will be held Saturday, October 26, 2013.

"The Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort will be the host resort, with Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and the Quality Inn and Suites serving as the overflow hotels. Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a member of the Roche Group, will serve as the host site for all of the competitions. As this is an open national championship, all Oro Valley residents are invited to compete in this event." (Source)

Liquor License Granted To Molinito

The council granted Molinito Restaurant  (10180 North Oracle Road) a liquor license. There were no public comments.  The Oro Valley Police Department saw no reason not to grant the license.

Stone Canyon Residential Sub Division  Conceptual Plan Approved

The last item on the regular agenda was a public hearing Stone Canyon enclave residential subdivision.  It is a 36 lot single-family detached subdivision on a 13 acre site.  Lot sizes will range from 9,000 square feet to 21,000 square feet. The homes will be 23' high, one story.  It is near the Stone Canyon fitness center.  The Rancho Vistoso PAD development standards are the governing standard for approval.  The Conceptual Design Review Board had approved the plan in August.
---