Bits and Pieces

It is a very good time to sell your residence

The residential home real estate market is “hot” in Oro Valley. According the to September Long Realty Report: 

• It is a “sellers” market in every price category 
• Sellers are getting about 100% of their asking price 
• In some areas of town, sellers are getting more than the asking price 
• The median selling price is about $430,000 per home 
• Sale price is at least 11% more than this time last year. 
•  In many instances, however, the sales price is at least 20% higher than this time last year

Stone Canyon Gold Course under new management and ownership

Arcis Golf, owner and operator of golf facilities in the United States, has acquired six Mickelson Golf Properties. One of these is the Stoney Canyon Club. “Recently, the club hosted The Match: Champions for Change featuring Mickelson and basketball legend, Charles Barkley versus NFL Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning and NBA superstar, Steph Curry.” (Source)

CDO High School uses well water
Did you know that CDO High School uses well water? Our guess is that it draws from the Oro Valley Aquifer. Oro Valley supplied water is next to it at Kreigh Park.

Vistoso Community implements new water conservation efforts
“The Board implemented several water conservation measures to respond to the recent Town of Oro Valley amendment changes to the town’s water conservation code.  The Board approved replacements of several dated irrigation controllers, and not over seeding several common areas to reduce water consumption.  Along with these measures, a cost benefit analysis will be implemented immediately to monitor with meters the seasonal water consumption of VCA common areas, which could help reduce annual water costs.” (Source: October Vistoso Community Association Newsletter ) 

You can read more about their efforts to conserve water here 

 

Bits and Pieces

Town announces Parks and Recreation master plan open community meeting date: January 23
"The Town will host a community meeting on Thursday, January 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. The meeting will start with a 30-minute presentation about the project and then open up for public discussion so we can hear from you." (source: Town Of Oro Valley News Release.)

You can learn about this master plan project at this website.

It's a sellers market for Oro Valley homes
Oro Valley continues to be a seller's market for all homes prices at under $600,000. The total number of homes available (60) is at its lowest level in two years. Most of the homes available for sale have price range over $600,000. The median sales price of a home has not changed in zip 85755 but is up a bit in zip 85737 (when comparing a 3-month period this year to last year). (Source: Long Realty)

Water rate increase likely to occur in August
The town in the process of increasing our water rates. The rate increase will happen in August. There will be a public hearing in at the June 3 council meeting. The increase is inevitable unless residents become involved.

According to our water expert:
"The new rates come from a financial model put together by an outside consultant. The assumptions are documented, but not defended. The primary goal appeared to be taking the opportunity to re-examine the split between potable water rates and reclaimed water rates in light of the closure of the Vistoso golf course and the resulting drop in demand for reclaimed water."

Supervisor Candidate Rex Scott on Jim Horn's "Oro Valley Podcast"
This week, Jim Horn interviews Rex Scott, candidate for Pima County Supervisor, District 1. Rex talks about his qualifications and his goals if he’s elected. Listen on www.orovalleypodcast.com or on the Apple Stitcher, or Google Play apps (key words; "Oro Valley Podcast") .

Section of LaCholla closing from January 27 to April 22

The widening of LaCholla Blvd continues. The section from Lambert Lane to Overton will be closed for an extended period. "Local access to homes, churches and other facilities on La Cholla Boulevard will be maintained throughout the closure. La Cañada Drive has been designated as the detour route." (see panel)

The town is closing the section in order to allow construction in that area in a safe manner. (source)


Council candidate handbooks now available
Those interested in running for council can get candidate handbooks by making an appointment with town clerk Mike Standish (520-229-4700).  There are 3 council seats up for elections. "The number of signatures required is at least 463 and not more than 925. Candidates may turn in nomination papers from 8 a.m. on March 9, 2020, to 5 p.m. on April 6, 2020." (Source) The primary election will be on August 4.

Bits and Pieces

Dispose-A-Med this Saturday at the Target Plaza
Dispose-A-Med
Saturday, October 26
10 AM to 2 PM
Oro Valley Target
10555 N Oracle Road

Bring your unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. They will dispose of them for you. They accept only pills. They no longer accept liquids, syringes, or inhalers. Please keep pills in their original containers.

Bins will be provided for you to drop off the medications.

Do not bring batteries, household hazardous waste, or veterinary medications.

Mayor Winfied offers: "State of the Town"
Mayor Winfield addressed the Chamber of Commerce last week. He gave his "State of the Town" speech. His speech featured the town's strategic plan, a plan he observed was build from the General Plan. Also speaking at the event were the town economic czar, JJ Johnston: Kristy Diaz-Trahan, Parks and Recreation Director; and Police Chief Chief Danny Sharp.  The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted this fundraiser  at the El Conquistador resort. You can watch and read his remarks here.

State Lands Annexation is back
"The Arizona State Land Department is planning to renew talks with Oro Valley next month regarding the annexation of 885 acres of state trust land on either side of Tangerine Road." according to the Arizona Daily Star. This happens after the department told the town on July 31 that they were too busy to pursue annexation discussion with the town. What could have happened to change their minds so quickly?

According to the article, a representative of the Department stated that they had not been talking with Marana about this annexation. Why, indeed, would they even say that? Would it be, perhaps, that they explored the idea with Marana and found out that Oro Valley is the only town that can possibly deliver water to this area? LOVE, of course, will follow this as it develops.

The question is: How big do you want your town?

Its a seller's market for Oro Valley's homes
Long Realty's October report observes that Oro Valley is now a seller's market for homes under $1million. For most years, Oro Valley homes have been a buyer's market. This is a good time to sell if you want to get out of town. 

Bits and Pieces

Do You Want Homes In "Innovation Park"?
The Town Of Oro Valley is holding a general plan amendment neighborhood meeting this coming Monday. The site under consideration regards Innovation Park.

This is the same land parcel that Beztak wanted to put apartments on in 2011. That request was denied. Later, there was another plan that never came to fruition and now this GPA is for residential.

Follow the money on this deal.  A large developer profit is in the offing if this GPA is approved.  The land is valued for 2017 by Pima County at $1.6 million. The petitioner, Anthem Equity Group, petitioned the county to value the land at about $1 million on the basis of comparable industrial land use. However, industrial use is not their intent. Instead, they want to change the land use to residential and reap "land value" benefit from putting up to 64 instead of industrial property.

"This "General Plan Amendment [is] for an approximately 15-acre property located at the northwest corner of Rancho Vistoso Blvd. and Vistoso Commerce Loop. The applicant proposes to change the future land use on this parcel from Commerce/Office Park (COP) to Medium Density Residential (2.1 – 5.0 homes per acre), Case No. OV1701076.

The applicant will provide a presentation and Town staff will facilitate the meeting. The focus will be on addressing your questions and concerns.

August 14, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Rancho Vistoso HOA Building
945 W Vistoso Highlands Drive

QUESTIONS? Please contact Elisa Hamblin, Long Range Principal Planner, at 520-229-4847 or ehamblin@orovalleyaz.gov. "
Read about this amendment.
(Source: Oro Valley Web Site)

Oro Valley to offer free training for Water Utility customers
Oro Valley, Arizona (August 10, 2017) – The Oro Valley Water Utility is offering free, one-hour training classes on its AquaHawk Alerting program. AquaHawk is a free service that helps Oro Valley Water Utility customers efficiently manage their water usage and lower their monthly bills.

Class participants will learn how to register for AquaHawk and how to set water use thresholds based on water use history so they can monitor usage and receive timely leak alerts. Water conservation information and giveaways will also be available.

Classes will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. in the computer lab at the Oro Valley Public Library (1305 W. Naranja Drive) on the following dates:

• Monday, August 21, 2017
• Wednesday, August 23, 2017
• Monday, August 28, 2017
• Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Registration is required, and class size is limited to 10 participants per session. For more information or to register, contact Karn Boyce at 520-229-5024 or kboyce@orovalleyaz.gov.
Customers who are not able to attend a class can still enroll in the program. Valid email address required. Learn more at www.orovalleyaz.gov/aquahawk.
(Source: Town Of Oro Valley Press Release)
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July Oro Valley housing sales lower but overall pace matches last year
"In the Oro Valley area, July 2017 active inventory was 260, a 6% decrease from July 2016. There were 81 closings in July 2017, an 11% decrease from July 2016. Year-to-date 2017 there were 575 closings, a 1% increase from year-to-date 2016. Months of Inventory was 3.2, up from 3.1 in July 2016. Median price of sold homes was $281,000 for the month of July 2017, up 2% from July 2016. The Oro Valley area had 82 new properties under contract in July 2017, up 5% from July 2016."
(Source: Long Realty August Report)
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Oro Valley Homes: A Seller's Market

Oro Valley home sales have been stable during the first six months of this year, averaging about 80 home sales per month. We draw this conclusion after reading the July report by Long Realty.

The report emphasizes month to month changes in home listing and sales activity:

"In the Oro Valley area, June 2017 active inventory was 272, a 5% decrease from June 2016. There were 79 closings in June 2017, a 31% decrease from June 2016. Year-to-date 2017 there were 490 closings, a 3% increase from year-to-date 2016. Months of Inventory was 3.4, up from 2.5 in June 2016. Median price of sold homes was $292,000 for the month of June 2017, up 8% from June 2016. The Oro Valley area had 93 new properties under contract in June 2017, up 16% from June 2016."

We like to look at a broader period of time. Thus, our emphasis on six months.

Oro Valley is is a "seller's" market. The median home sale price has increased to almost $300,000.  The Long report concludes that it is a seller's market for homes priced below $500,000. Generally it is balanced market between buyer and seller for homes priced greater than that.
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Source: Long Realty July Report

Bits and Pieces

Will Troon Golf Bail?
Is it possible that Oro Valley's minimal 2016 spending on the improvements to the golf courses will cause Troon Golf to bail on the town? We ask because the golf courses are in sad shape, well below any standard that Troon Golf may have for their courses. Certainly, they don't want to soil their reputation. Also, they have an incentive clause in their contract that activates only when golf fees are significant. It is unlikely that 2016 will be a "significant" year.

Don't Forget: Comment on the draft of the general plan 
This is a "gentle" reminder to please invest a bit of your time in reading the 60% complete draft of the 2015 general plan. You can access it here. And, when you are done, be sure to submit comments on it.

Zinkin continues active involvement in League of Cities and Towns
Council Member Mike Zinkin is Oro Valley's representative to the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. He is the town's representative on the Budget, Finance and Economic Development (BFED) Policy Committee. In addition, he or Oro Valley's representative on the Steering Committee of the National League of Cities and Towns Community and Economic Development Committee

Cheap golf round rates at Golf Club at Vistoso
The Golf Club at Vistoso is offering summer rates:

• Mornings: $32
• Twilight: $23
• Sundown: $18

Oro Valley housing market shows continued improvement in May
According to Long Realty: "In the Oro Valley area, May 2015 active inventory was 313, a 9% decrease from May 2014. There were 73 closings in May 2015, a 3% increase from May 2014. Year-to-date 2015 there were 318 closings, a 4% increase from year-to-date 2014. Months of Inventory was 4.3, down from 4.9 in May 2014. Median price of sold homes was $283,000 for the month of May 2015, up 14% from May 2014. The Oro Valley area had 66 new properties under contract in May 2015, up 3% from May 2014." (Source: Long Realty Monthly Report)

November recall election to cost $25,000-$30,000
The town estimates that the November recall election of Council Members Hornat, Snider and Waters will cost up to $30,000. This is far less than the $75,000 estimate that those who opposed the election were estimating. This is because this election will be on the same ballot as the Pima County Bond Election. The town will take the funds from the contingency reserves since the election was not planned in the budget.

November Recall election particulars
If you plan to vote in the recall election, and we hope that you do, you must register to vote by October 5. Those wishing to run for these positions have from August 5 to September 5 to file nomination papers. The minimum number of signatures for eligibility is 526 registered Oro Valley voters.

Meet the Community Center Architect Open House
"The Town of Oro Valley invites you to an open house for a "Meet the Architect" event on Monday, June 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Sunset Room at the new Oro Valley Community & Recreation Center, 10555 N. La Cañada Drive. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the architect chosen to assist the Town with remodeling this facility (Breckenridge Group) as well as view the three main focus areas of the initial renovation: ADA access and compliance, remodeling the fitness lobby and remodeling the restaurant dining area." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Questions: Who is Breckenridge Group? They have no web site. They are not approved by the Better Business Bureau. How did the town go about selecting them to do this job?

"Despicable Me 2" at OV's FREE Drive-In Movie at the Driving Range this Saturday Oro Valley,
"Join your friends and neighbors for a FREE Drive-in Movie on the Driving Range this Saturday, June 20 at sunset (approximately 7:30 p.m.). The Town of Oro Valley will show the PG-rated movie "Despicable Me 2" on a giant, inflatable screen right on the driving range at the Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center, 11555 N. La Cañada Drive. You are welcome to drive in your golf cart or bring blankets and chairs to sit on the lawn. Food and beverages will be available for purchase." (Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)

Oro Valley earns fourth "Playful City USA" designation
"The Town of Oro Valley has earned the "Playful City USA" designation from national non-profit KaBOOM! Presented by The Humana Foundation, Playful City USA is a national program advocating for local policies that increase play opportunities for children and is a key platform in combating the play deficit. This is Oro Valley's fourth year receiving this designation (2011, 2012, 2013)."(Source: Town of Oro Valley Press Release)