A Proposed "Sports Complex" Would Change The "Original" Oro Valley

A project of "huge impact" will be vetted tonight

The Church of the Nazarene ("OVCN") is requesting a major rezoning of three large lots its owns that are adjacent to its location on the northeast corner of Calle Concordia and Buena Vista. This is the "original" section of Oro Valley. It's character is large lot, single family homes.  OVCN is west of Canyon Del Oro High School.

The request has been "in limbo" since last year when it met with opposition from abutting neighbors. It is back.

Tonight is a neighborhood meeting in town council chambers. The meeting starts at 6pm. It is schedule to conclude at 7:30pm.

The project seeks to establish a "PAD" that replaces residential land with a Sports Complex

This rezoning request is a request to create a separate zoning Planned Area Development ("PAD"). This allows the total of 18.4 acres under consideration to have their own zoning code. Currently, the area in total is subject to three zoning codes: PS (Private Schools), PAD Church of the Latter Day Saints) and R-144 (Single Family-large lot). 

Project would replace large lot, low density homes with non worship/religious education athletic and cultural uses

Current zoning for ten acres of the land currently permits large residential lots. The current residential designation for that land is intended "...to promote and preserve suburban-rural single-family residential development. The large lot size permits agricultural uses and promotes open space." 

The current zoning is consistent with the properties in the area.

Instead of several homes, OVCN wants to use this land for three buildings and an athletic field (see panel right). These are not worship/religious education activities. However, OVCN considers these athletic and cultural programs to be part of their outreach program. "The leadership to broaden their outreach vision to include significant investment in their popular youth sports programs."

This is a business endeavor: OVCN will partner with "Upward Sports" 

"Partnering with Upward Sports, OVCN has been blessed with the opportunity to leverage the power of sports to achieve and increase the impact of their mission of spreading the gospel. Sports often remove barriers and thus can create wonderful environment for churches to build relationships and serve others."

Upward Sports "non profit" organization is comprised of four entities. For example, they operate and promote their campus in Spatransburg SC. The founder is Gordan ("Caz") McCaslin, Upward Sports works with other companies to bring their managed facilities to reality. (Video)

Residents do not want this project approved

Incompatible with the area and with the general plan

Residents in the area do not want this project approved. Retired airline pilot Tim Tarris lives on the corner near the property. According to Tim, people are "beside themselves" in fear of how this project will change the entire character of the area. They have may concerns.

Will increase traffic at a trouble intersection

Residents are concerned that the business will add traffic to the already busy, poorly designed intersection of Calle Concordia and Buena Vista. The traffic study that will be discussed tonight confirms the intersection redesign will be needed. 

Brings noise to a peaceful neighborhood

They are concerned about the noise use of the new facilities will bring to the area. The noise study that will be present tonight confirms their concerns. However, the study states that the noise generated will be "within Oro Valley" noise standards. Oro Valley's noise codes in relation to commercial use were liberalized in 2020. ("Oro Valley Gets More Noise.. Less Unique")

Lights pollution

Lights at the athletic field  will increase lighting in the area. This happens regardless of shields place on the lights. We have previously reported about neighbor complaints because of the IRHS field lights. These are shielded lights. The light they cast is visible to neighbors.

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Bits and Pieces

KOLD gives wrong year on start of revitalization

Last week, KOLD TV reported that construction was beginning this winter on the revitalization of the Oro Valley Marketplace (see panel below). This is not true, per our inquiry to the town. 

The potential revitalization project has undergone one community meeting. The town's planning department is waiting for a second submission on the project from the applicant. 

Nothing can happen unless the town council approves it. This revitalization project requires rezoning. That has not happened. It will not happen until next summer or beyond. Perhaps construction will begin in the winter of 2022. The TV station report was off by a year.

Church of Nazarene project in limbo

The Church of Nazarene, located on Concordia, west of CDO High School, has proposed a project for an indoor athletic field, a new multi-use building and a new amphitheater on 18.4 acres adjacent to it. (See panel right) They want to create their own planned area development zoning code, because the existing zoning codes is mixed among the four properties involved. 

The property of most concern to residents in the are is on the northern portion of the land. That portion is zoned for residential use, with one home for 144,000 square feet. That is the zoning for the rest of the area. Needless to say, those who live in the area don’t want the project

Take a ride around the area and you will understand why.  This area is one of the most unique in Oro Valley. The homes are set far back from the roads and many owners have horses and other animals. 

The town is waiting for the project to be resubmitted in response to comments made by the public at the November public hearing.  Read more about this project here.

Charred Pie is open for business with menu additions

Charred Pie restaurant is located next to the AMC Theatre in the Oro Valley Marketplace. Recent menu additions have added to their offerings. The feature wood fired pizza. Read more about that here. This is a locally owned restaurant. Give them a call.