Bits and Pieces

Ventana Medical Systems wants permission to release pollutants into Oro Valley’s air
Oro Valley’s Ventana Medical Systems (also known as Roche Tissue Diagnostics), located in Innovation Park Drive has applied for a permit to release air pollutants from its operations. These include five different pollutant plus one called "Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)".  The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ) is processin the request. It is accepting public comments on it through April 21, 2025. You can also request a public hearing. Visit pima.gov to submit a comment or request a hearing.

Tech support scams on the rise

The March 2025 edition of the Oro Valley Police Department’s (OVPD) Crimefighter Newsletter warns residents about an increase in tech support scams, with older adults being frequent targets. These scams often begin with pop-up messages or unsolicited calls from people pretending to be technicians from well-known companies. Victims are tricked into giving remote access to their computers or purchasing unnecessary software, putting their finances and personal information at risk. OVPD encourages residents to stay vigilant and provides tips on how to protect themselves.

OVPD offers community safety programs

The newsletter also announces the return of the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Self-Defense Program, offering practical techniques for personal protection. In addition, OVPD has launched the OV Safe Return Program to help locate and safely return individuals who may wander due to cognitive conditions. These programs reflect the department’s continued commitment to community safety and proactive support for residents.

OVCN seeks yet another "extension"...Residents Opposed

The saga of the Oro Valley Church (OVCN) of the Nazarene’s effort to build major new facilities has dragged on for six years. What started as a plan for a sports complex shifted to a proposal for a 40-foot-tall sanctuary with support facilities. The Planning and Zoning Commission rejected that height request in January, and the church appealed to the Town Council. At the schedule hearing, OVCN asked for more time after hiring a new attorney. The Council granted an extension until April 2.

Now, the church is asking for an eight-month delay. In their letter to the Council, they explain that most concerns raised by neighbors involve traffic, parking, and drainage — issues not fully addressed in their current request. They say they need more time to complete a full analysis of these concerns and submit formal plans through the town’s Development Plan process. It’s yet another delay in a process that seems unlikely to end anytime soon.

And here’s the kicker: Any development plan must first go through town staff review, then a public hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission, and only then can it go before the Town Council. That process takes time — probably more than eight months.

Four speakers addressed the council on Wednesday, all opposing the request by OVCN for an additional eight-month extension. They expressed frustration over years of delays and emphasized that the project has already been rejected twice by the Planning and Zoning Commission for being incompatible with the neighborhood.  They argued that repeated continuances only prolong uncertainty and allow the church to bypass established zoning decisions. They urged the council to deny the extension and called for the church to find a more appropriate location for its expansion plans.

The Town Council does not have to grant the extension. Let’s see what they do on April 2 when they consider it.

Harebrained Arizona House bill would allow religious institutions to build housing with little local input

The Arizona House is considering HB2191, a bill that would allow religious institutions to build residential developments on land they own. While local governments would still handle administrative approvals, they would not be allowed to impose additional conditions or hold public hearings. Issues like traffic, parking, drainage, and community impact would be addressed only through minimal state-mandated standards, not through local decision-making. Residents would lose their voice in the process, and town councils would have little power to influence what happens in their own communities.

The RoadRunners celebrated Oro Valley 

The Tucson Roadrunners, the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Utah Hockey Club, celebrated Oro Valley this past Sunday. According to Council Member Mo Greene: “Sunday was a really cool day for Oro Valley. The Roadrunners hosted a day for Oro Valley, and we had the town manager riding around on the Zamboni — a priceless picture — and he did well! He stayed right on there. Then the mayor dropped the puck to start the game. It was an amazing day, and after two overtimes, the Roadrunners won. It was a really exciting day.”

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Bits and Pieces

OVCN uses added time to try to strengthen their case

A reader wrote to us expressing concern over the Town Council’s decision last week to grant the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) an additional six weeks to present their appeal on the Planning and Zoning Commission’s decision to deny a height increase for a new sanctuary. The added time, the reader noted, allows OVCN time to strengthen their case. The reader pointed out that Paul Oland of Paradigm Land Design, working for OVCN, submitted two requests for information to the town just days later. Both requests seek information on prior building height approvals for similar facilities. The reader questioned why such information was not requested long ago.

March brings outdoor fun and family activities to Oro Valley 

The Oro Valley Parks & Recreation newsletter highlights an exciting lineup of March events for residents of all ages. Outdoor enthusiasts can join the Oro Valley Hiking Series on March 1 at Dead Horse Canyon, offering a guided trek through an “unmapped” trail. Music lovers can enjoy a Friday Night Concert at Steam Pump Ranch on March 7, featuring a live performance by the Vindaloo Band. Families can look forward to Second Saturday at Steam Pump Ranch on March 8, complete with historical tours, live music, and a farmers’ market. Later in the month, Movie at the Ranch on March 15 will screen Inside Out 2 under the stars, while Family Camping at the Ranch on March 29-30 provides an opportunity to experience an overnight campout, complete with s’mores and a pancake breakfast. With spring break camps and fitness programs also on the schedule, March is shaping up to be an active and engaging month in Oro Valley.

Text message scam targeting drivers

The February 2025 CrimeFighter Newsletter highlights a new text message scam targeting drivers by falsely claiming they owe unpaid toll road fees. Scammers send messages pretending to be from FasTrak, an electronic toll collection system, and include a link to a fake payment website. The fraudulent messages often create urgency by threatening penalties for non-payment, tricking recipients into providing sensitive financial information. The newsletter warns that a key red flag is the sender’s phone number, which typically originates from the Philippines (+63 country code). FasTrak officials emphasize that they never send text messages demanding payment from non-account holders. Residents are advised to avoid clicking on any links and instead verify toll charges directly through the official FasTrak website.

Ashley Furniture owner Sam levitz faces lawsuit over unpaid rent and customer grievances

In December 2024, the landlords of the Sam Levitz Furniture owned Ashley Furniture, formerly located in the Oro Valley Marketplace, filed a lawsuit in December alleging that the company breached its lease by closing its Oro Valley Ashley Furniture store without notice and failing to pay nearly $60,000 in monthly rent. The lease was intended to run through June 2036. Concurrently, customers have reported unresolved issues, including undelivered furniture and unaddressed warranty claims, with some expressing frustration over the company’s lack of communication since its closure. (Source 1). 

(Source 2)

Here's why we always question the reliability of national rankings about Oro Valley

We are always wary of data provided by national companies ranking Oro Valley in any survey. These rankings are often promotional articles with little data reliability. One example is moveBuddha’s recent ranking of Oro Valley’s moving trends, which reported only 49 moves into the town and a move-in to move-out ratio of 0.49 in 2024. If moveBuddha’s data were the only source considered, this ratio would suggest that more people are leaving Oro Valley than moving in, implying a declining population. This, of course, is not the case, as Oro Valley’s population is growing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oro Valley’s population increased from 47,070 in 2020 to an estimated 48,226 in 2022, indicating an average annual growth rate of approximately 0.6%. This suggests a net increase of about 1,156 residents over two years, or roughly 578 people per year. This figure represents net population growth, accounting for both people moving in and out of Oro Valley, as well as natural changes such as births and deaths.

Oro Valley Town Council to Hear OVCN Appeal

Oro Valley town council to decide on OVCN appeal
The Oro Valley Town Council will decide whether to uphold the Planning and Zoning Commission's January decision denying the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) permission to build a new sanctuary with a height of 40 feet. The current allowable height on the property is 24 feet, but the town has the authority to grant a higher limit.

OVCN claims unfair standards and disregard for evidence
OVCN is appealing the decision, arguing that it is unjust and unfair. They claim the Commission disregarded substantial evidence supporting their proposal, applied inconsistent standards, and failed to consider the broader community benefits. As an example, they argue that the Commission unfairly scrutinized the volume of activities and attendance at their facility compared to similar projects.

Town staff’s response: Height request tied to safety and seating capacity
Town staff responded to some of these assertions. In their meeting notice to the council, they state that the proposed sanctuary height increase is directly tied to accommodating auditorium-style seating for over 1,500 people. They cite International Building Code requirements, which mandate specific roof heights for safety and sightlines. Staff also note that increased seating capacity affects parking and traffic considerations.

Significant Community opposition
Community members oppose the height request. In just one week, more than 600 residents have signed a petition urging the town to deny the appeal.

Three resolution options...but there could be more
Town staff has proposed three resolution options for the council’s consideration:

• Uphold the Planning and Zoning Commission’s denial of OVCN’s height increase request.
• Overrule the denial with conditions, allowing a maximum height of 29 feet plus an additional 5 feet for parapet screening, but only in areas necessary to fully screen mechanical equipment, as determined by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
• Overrule the denial and fully approve the height increase request, subject to conditions outlined in the staff report, including landscape buffers and positioning requirements to minimize visual impact.

Uncertainty over the 29-foot option
The inclusion of the 29-foot option is unclear, as OVCN withdrew it from consideration. Initially, OVCN proposed a 29-foot height, assuming part of the sanctuary would be built underground, but they rescinded this request a week later. It is unknown whether the council will discuss this or other height options at tonight’s meeting. The council has the authority to modify these options or propose its own. For example, they may consider continuing the item for further discussion or negotiation.

Next steps for OVCN
If the council does not approve the 40-foot height, OVCN has two alternatives. They can either build the sanctuary within the existing 24-foot height limit or pursue legal action, potentially including a federal court challenge, if they believe their rights under federal law, such as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA-See Below), have been violated. 

Stay tuned for updates on this decision.

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RLUIPA protects religious institutions from discriminatory land use regulations by requiring governments to apply the same standards as they do for non-religious entities and to justify any substantial burden with a compelling interest pursued in the least restrictive way. Protecting the character and livability of a neighborhood, particularly regarding noise, traffic, public safety, or environmental impact, is a compelling government interest, as long as the government can demonstrate that the restriction is the least restrictive means of achieving that interest and is applied in a non-discriminatory manner.

Guest View-Tim Tarris: The OVCN Sports Facility Proposal is "A Bridge Too Far"

As voters consider their choices in the council election, it is important to reflect on the fact that the council will likely need to determine whether the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) sports facility expansion proposal within Oro Valley’s oldest and most historic section is right for our town.
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"Mayor Winfield, Vice-Mayor Barrett, Council members and staff. My name is Tim Tarris and I am a resident of Oro Valley. I use an analogy tonight to compare history with OVCN’s effort to aggressively expand within our community.

The phrase “A Bridge Too Far” originates from a military context. It was famously used as the title of a book, and later a movie, both depicting a historical event from World War 2 called Operation Market Garden.

This operation was an ambitious plan by the Allied forces to capture several bridges in the Netherlands. However, the plan failed when they could not capture the last bridge at Arnhem, which was a “bridge too far”. This historical context sets the foundation for its current metaphorical use.

In modern English, a “Bridge Too Far” is used metaphorically to describe an overambitious plan or an attempt that is doomed to failure because it is too much of a stretch. It is often used to caution against overreaching or to describe a situation where someone has gone beyond their abilities or resources.

There are several other expressions in English that convey a similar meaning. Phrases like “biting off more than you can chew” or “overextending oneself” also refer to taking on tasks or responsibilities that are too difficult or ambitious.

I submit to you, that the OVCN proposal for expansion in this location in Oro Valley is a 'Bridge Too Far'. "

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The Latest OVCN Shenanigans

Below is an excerpt of a speech given by Oro Valley resident, Tim Tarris, during the Call to Audience at the April 3rd Town Council Meeting. We added the subheadings.

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My name is Tim Tarris and I am a resident of Oro Valley. I live directly across the street to the west from the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene [OVCN].

I would like to make reference to some of the activities that take place in our neighborhood. Please keep in mind that the word of the day is “shenanigans.”

Merriam-Webster defines shenanigans as: 1. A devious trick used especially for an underhanded purpose; 2. A tricky or questionable practice or conduct usually used in plural and/or high-spirited or mischievous activity.

The church’s new plan – Bypass the neighbors and the Town Council
The church, taking advantage of our vaguely worded town codes, has now changed course to try and continue their expansion. Their new plan would bypass the 14 neighbors who signed and submitted their objections in order to have the new application approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission (appointed officials) and bypass the Town Council (elected officials).

Fear of heights
We have been told they wish to build a new sanctuary (with basketball courts included) that will seat 1500 people. They will most likely be asking for a height variance of up to 45 feet. This begs the question -- “Is it a 25-foot building with a 20-foot cross on top or a 44-foot building with a 1-foot cross on top?”

What’s next? A 3-story parking garage?
Fifteen hundred more people, at two people per car, equals 750 more cars than now. At three people per car, it equals 500 more cars than now, per event. That level of activity in a residential neighborhood kind of boggles the mind.

They are also discussing making the former Tellez property into parking for 350 cars. My 9th grade math teacher, Mrs. Stevens, would say, “Go back and figure it out again.”

The sheer volume of things
On Saturday, March 30th, they held their annual Easter Egg hunt. Many people attended for several hours. Of note was over 50 cars that were parked in the right-of-way along Calle Buena Vista, off and on during the event, even though the church professes to have “enough parking.” Of course, if you use all of Pima County for your organization’s parking, you will have enough.

Additionally, while working in my concrete block and insulated garage (located 500 feet from the music source used during the event), I was able to "enjoy" the entire event due to the volume.

Does anybody see what’s going on here?

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OVCN Wants To Bring the “Big Yellow Taxi” to Oro Valley

Current OVCN proposal skirts council approval as no rezoning needed

The latest proposal from the Oro Valley Church of The Nazarene (OVCN) for a sports facility in Oro Valley's oldest and least densely populated community calls for a 40-foot-high gymnasium and a large parking lot. This proposal will not necessitate a rezoning of the property but will require approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission, a body predominantly comprised of the town's planning staff, for a building height variance. One approach for residents to prevent this is for the council to enact a resolution stripping this authority from the unelected group of volunteer residents.

Oro Valley resident, Anthony Ferrara, gave the following speech during the Call to Audience at the February 21, 2024 council meeting. It in, Tony requests that council consider such a resolution. The words are Tony's. The subheadings are ours.
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Paving paradise
There is a 2006 animated movie called "Curious George" that included as the main conflict in the plot, a choice between keeping a museum open or demolishing it and replacing it with a parking garage.

The Curious George movie didn't have to spell out the many reasons why converting a museum to a parking garage was a terrible idea. It was obvious.

OVCN, according to their newest sketch, is outrageously proposing to pave 10 acres of land with asphalt – land that is currently zoned for rural and agricultural use.

Converting desert into parking is a bad idea. This should be as obvious as it was to the intended audience of three to six year old’s watching Curious George. But, regrettably, sometimes things need to be spelled out rather than relying on "norms" or conscience to dictate behavior.

Common sense should prevail
On November 1, 2023, this council reviewed the rules outlining the number of small animals allowed on residential lots.

Right now, on my R-144 lot, I could, according to the letter of the law, have an unlimited number of chickens. Unlimited. The only thing that would stop me from housing 2 million chickens is that it is a terrible idea and no sensible person would subject their neighbors to the smell and noise, etc. that accompanied my chickens.

Me housing 2 million chickens is just as outrageous as paving over 10 acres of desert.

Parking is not the highest and best use of 10 acres of desert in the heart of a residential neighborhood zoned for rural/agriculture/equestrian use. If I and all my neighbors started paving over our land and started housing huge numbers of chickens, I hope the council would investigate if this was in the best interest of the town.

Pass a resolution based on our town values
I respectfully request that you look into passing a resolution that sets reasonable limits on the amount of desert that could be sacrificed for parking or other non-agricultural uses like you did for setting limits on small animals -- limits that are based on our values as a town that prioritizes natural beauty, views, open spaces, the environment, agriculture and appropriate land use.
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Guest View: “Good Deeds” are Irrelevant to OVCN’s Rezoning Request

The below speech was given by Oro Valley resident David Rishor during the September 20, 2023 Town Council meeting during the Call to Audience. He and his family are opposed to the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) plan to build a huge sports complex in their rural and historic neighborhood. LOVE added the subheadings.

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This rezoning request is unsuitable for the neighborhood
My name is David Rishor and my family and I have been homeowners living in the town of Oro Valley for the past 25 years. I am an Arizona state licensed commercial and residential contractor for many decades watching land go from zoning to construction to certificate of occupancy. Never in my career have I viewed a more inappropriate rezone request as what is being submitted by OVCN.

A church’s good deeds have nothing to do with a property rezoning
Some time back, I attended a town meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission, and I watched the church’s executive pastor stand at this lectern preaching about all the good things his church does for the community. No one questions this as one knows virtually all churches attempt to do “good things” and hats off to them for it. What he does not understand is these good things have absolutely nothing to do with property rezoning. If a rezone is inappropriate, it’s simply that and one’s good gestures have nothing to do with it. It was clearly a spin to get the Commission’s eye off the ball.

As a former member of the Pusch Ridge Christian Church, one of the reasons they sold their property was due to the zoning. With a handful of folks from the immediate neighborhoods attending the church, we knew full well that attempting to rezone this land would not be an option and we certainly would not try to shove a bad rezone down the throats of our good neighbors -- as OVCN is trying to do now. We believed in the biblical rule -- Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

OVCN’s behavior is not very Christian
Since 1961, my parents have been Charter members of a Tucson east side Christian church. When I graduated Sunday School kindergarten and was baptized, I was given a Holy Bible that lives on my nightstand to this day. With all my mind and soul, I believe in the trinity and words of this Bible and try my best to be as He would have me. As a Christian, I find it shocking that the leaders of OVCN choose to blatantly hurt their neighbors, and it’s also quite shocking that it appears no church member has stood up and cried out about this wrongdoing.

The negative impact is clear
This has gone on far, far too long now. Help put an end to the year-in and year-out suffering this church causes the surrounding neighborhoods. The facts of the matter are clear, the negative impact is clear, and most importantly the zoning commission agrees. Please deny this rezone and protect the citizens of these historic and unique southern Arizona residential neighborhoods!
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Guest View: Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) has Morphed from a Benign Growth to an Invasive Cancer on the Neighborhood

The below speech was given by Oro Valley resident David Dievert during the September 6, 2023 Oro Valley Town Council meeting during the Call to Audience segment. Dievert and his wife have been residents of Oro Valley for 30 years and are opposed to the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s plan to build a huge sports complex with a lighted outdoor athletic field in their rural and historic neighborhood. LOVE added the subheadings.
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Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene demolished numerous structures without a permit
Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) purchased the Tellez property in June 2020 and almost immediately demolished the existing structures on the property. The structures included a 2,693 square foot block house built in 1980. Also demolished were a large masonry barn, stable, swimming pool, workshop, and other structures.

I called the town official responsible for permits after seeing truckload after truckload of material being hauled from the site to see if the required permit was issued. The town official said that a permit had not been issued and that they would go to the site and check on it. I don’t know if OVCN ever received the required permit.

In addition, the church removed copious amounts of vegetation from the property almost immediately after purchase. Removal of the vegetation created increased noise, increased heat island effect, more lighting pollution for the neighbors, more dust, less wildlife, and other adverse conditions for the neighborhood.

These actions demonstrate arrogance on the part of the church
The immediate changes to the former Tellez property demonstrates arrogance on the part of the church indicating that they believed that the town would approve their [rezoning] plans without hesitation.

Their arrogance also includes trying to coerce the town into approving their plan based on the argument that a sports complex is a religious activity. It is not. By definition, sports is a form of recreation and physical activity engaged in for pleasure. It is not for indoctrination to teach the beliefs or doctrines of a particular group.

OVCN is a cancer on the neighborhood
It started as a benign growth on the neighborhood, but over the years OVCN has grown into a fast-growing cancer that is destroying the neighborhood. The effect of rezoning and development of a sports complex proposed by the church will let the cancer continue to grow. The only way to stop the cancer is to cut the cancer out or attempt to stop its growth.

The Mayor and Town Council Members have the power to fight the cancer or at the very least to stop it from growing. It is time for the town to fight injustice to this neighborhood and say “No” to rezone and stop further destruction and death of the historic neighborhood.

OVCN’s invasion will cause neighbors to become prisoners in their own homes
The neighborhood was here long before the church invaded. The neighbors should not have to be walled in and stay indoors like prisoners on their own properties to protect them from the negative effects of the church.
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Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) Congregant Identified as Sign Vandal

This article is part of our continuing series of articles regarding OVCN’s request to rezone a portion of their property to accommodate a lighted outdoor athletic field, an amphitheater, and a multi-use building for indoor sports in a rural and historic neighborhood.
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Repeated destruction of the “Pink Signs”
There have been several cases of aggressive behavior targeting Concordia/Buena Vista Group neighbors and their property. Pink sign destruction has been the primary incident. Signs posted on private property by the C/BV group opposing the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) rezoning and expansion have been repeatedly stolen or vandalized. A dozen police reports have been filed outlining trespassing, destruction of property, theft, and even verbal assault.

Security cameras were installed
In an effort to catch the perpetrator(s), security cameras were placed nearby some of the signs. A new sign was posted at one location on Sunday, August 13. It was already trashed by the following morning. A security camera recorded the perpetrator in the act of trespassing, vandalizing the sign and destroying personal property.

The individual has been identified
The individual has been identified. The person is a congregant of the Church and is a very strong supporter of their request to rezone and build their sports complex. A police report has been filed and the individual was advised that any future occurrences of this type will result in prosecution and civil action under Arizona law.

CVB Group: The church’s silence on the destruction of personal property by one of their congregants speaks volumes
Some members of the Concordia/Buena group requested that the pastors condemn the vandalism from the pulpit and that they apologize for the behavior of this congregant. There has been no response from the pastors. It is unfortunate that the pastors have chosen to sweep this under the rug. 

According to the CVB group, the Church’s lack of response speaks volumes and portrays an unfavorable image of their athletic complex proposal. The act of a congregant damaging personal property to support their cause is undoubtedly something they should have immediately denounced.

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Guest View: Diane Peters – OVCN’s False Bravado

Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene claims that legal precedent is on their side and that they would win a lawsuit against the Town of Oro Valley should the town reject their rezoning request (to build a lighted outdoor athletic field and an amphitheater in a rural and historic neighborhood). However, their actions over the past few years are not the actions of persons who are convinced that they will win in court. If anything, they have repeatedly revealed by their actions that they are fearful of losing a lawsuit.

The evidence:
• If they are so sure that they would win in court, they would not have dragged this on for 3 years, requesting one delay after another. I believe that they have pulled their application 5 times.

• They would not have requested yet another delay (the March 1, 2023 town council hearing) while they scrambled to find new ways to get the rezoning approved. Why delay the council vote? Why rework the plans? Why begin the submittal process all over again, starting with Planning and Zoning?

• Then there was this revelation from the March 9, 2023 Oro Valley Podcast:

“The church is looking at an alternative location. I did find that tidbit of information.”
~ Don Cox, former Commissioner and former Chair of Planning and Zoning

Why keep changing their strategy?
I'll tell you why. It's because their lawsuit threat is just a lot of bluster meant to coerce the town into submission. They are clearly trying to avoid having to make good on their threat. I think they were surprised when Planning and Zoning recommended DENIAL despite the threat of a lawsuit and they’re now fearful that the Town Council will do the same. But if they know with 100% certainty that they will win in court, then there is nothing to fear...right?

Has OVCN even considered the ramifications if they DO file a lawsuit?
• They will, in essence, be suing themselves/the members of their own congregation. I suspect that the majority of their congregation lives in Oro Valley. Those congregants are OV taxpayers, so it will be their tax dollars that would be used to pay the town's legal expenses.

• Unless OVCN has some wealthy benefactor who has offered to pay their legal fees, it will be the congregants' church donations that will be used to pay for the lawsuit.  Do they want their church donations to be used in this manner? To hire lawyers to file a lawsuit? Without a wealthy benefactor footing the bill, the congregants will be paying the legal fees for BOTH PARTIES -- the town and the church.

• Additionally, if they DO sue the town (us taxpayers) it will no longer be just the immediate neighbors who will be up in arms over this rezoning. OVCN will have succeeded in turning the entire town (us taxpayers) against them. They will become the town pariah. Is that the kind of PR that the church wants?

• As someone noted on social media, "Let ‘em file suit. An audit of their books and membership might be quite revealing."

I don't think they've really thought this through. Or perhaps they have and that’s why they’re doing everything possible to avoid following through with a lawsuit.

Debatable Legal Counsel
According to the “Oro Valley Grapevine,” the town council has been informed by the town attorney that they must approve the OVCN rezone in order to avoid being sued.

I am imploring the Town Council to consider all of the above evidence and all of the fallout that OVCN will experience before assuming that they will file a lawsuit and that they will win. At this point, it's no longer a church anyway. It's become an amusement park.

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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003. She’s been involved in OV politics and development issues since 2006, including organizing a citizens group in 2014 that spent 9 months negotiating a controversial 200-acre development project. In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England. Her interests include reading, writing, nature photography, travel, art galleries, museums, and politics.

OVCN Revising Project...But Battle With Community Will Continue

Church to move facilities 150 feet from three opposing resident lot lines

The Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) is revising their rezoning proposal for their sports complex project. This will cause the project to be heard once again by the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Change would result in requiring one less council vote for approval

We do not know the details of the revision, but we do know that it includes moving the western edge of the rezone area 150 feet to the east, away from neighbor lot lines. If this is the case, then the requirement for Town Council approval would be a 4-vote majority rather than a 5-vote supermajority. The timetable of the approval process for this project is unclear.  Regardless, the community, especially those who are most closely affected by the facility if approved, are united against it. 

Community is resolute in opposition

Regardless, the community, especially those who are most closely affected by the facility if approved, are united against it. Today, we present two "Guest Views:" One is from Tim Tarris, head of the Concordia/Buena-Vista Group. The other is from Don Cox, former Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commissioner. Both Tim and Don oppose the project at that location because the sports facilities do not fit within that community. Both would like to see a compromise in which OVCN builds the facilities elsewhere. Simply redrawing the rezone request the facilities 150 feet to the east is not that compromise.

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Guest View: Tim Tarris

The simple redrawing of the rezone area, if that is what they plan to offer, is not a solution. It has the effect of negating four of the neighbors that signed the formal protest filed over a year ago. Fourteen of the adjoining neighbors (100%) signed that formal protest which requires the “super majority” of the Town Council to approve. (See Arizona Revised Statute 9-462.04H and Oro Valley Town Code ZC 23.3L.)

An action of this type is an attempt to “bend the rules” in the church’s favor. In all reality, nothing in a new submission of this nature has changed. All of the reasons (traffic, noise, lighting, etc.), that have caused the strong opposition by the neighbors, remain. It is effectively a “line in the sand” as the western section is a parking lot and will remain so. It is an intentional effort to dismiss and invalidate the wishes of the neighbors.

Many people have noticed the Concordia/Buena Vista Group (C/BV) informational (pink) signs. Sadly, some people have gone on private property and “free speech” zones (where signs are allowed) and vandalized or removed these signs. Additionally, one neighbor (displaying a sign) was verbally accosted in front of his own home by a passing motorist while tending to his sign. All of these events resulted in police reports being filed.

The C/BV group position has always remained the same. We support sports, youth and religion, but this sports complex would be devastating to this historic Oro Valley neighborhood. We actively hope that OVCN would find a much more appropriate location. The church, the neighbors and the community of Oro Valley will benefit from that solution.

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Guest View: Don Cox

First, I want everybody to understand that when I voice an opinion on this or any other matter, it is only my opinion. I am not speaking on behalf of any other party!! 

I believe OVCN requested the postponement to regroup after the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended denial the application. What’s puzzling to me, as a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, is why there was a second vote on other matters included in the application. It seems those subsequent issues became moot once the recommendation to deny was made. I believe the P&Z [ Planning and Zoning Commission] erred in this regard.

I have been told by reliable sources that OVCN has an alternate plan. I have also suggested that since there are more multi-purpose fields coming on line in the relatively near future, OVCN and the Town may be able to work out some deal with the Town of Oro Valley that is compatible to all parties (Town/Neighbors/OVCN). If not then I see this issue heading to litigation. That’s not beneficial to any party. The Town needs to get more involved. Once again their secrecy isn’t doing them and favors.

OVCN bought the property in question. That property comes with established zoning rights. The neighborhood is only asking that those zoning rights be complied with….nothing more or less. In this instance I support the neighbors completely. That’s what’s best, in my opinion, for the Town.

(Don's view first appeared in Nextdoor.com. We are reprinting it with his permission)  
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Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene: A David and Goliath Story

The below speech was written by Oro Valley resident, Ed Clary, and was presented during the Call to Audience at the March 1 Town Council Meeting.
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“This evening, I’d like to discuss the proposed rezone of residential property acquired by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN).

The Planning and Zoning Commission rejected the proposal [on February 7th] after literally years of the town staff working to bring it into compliance with the General Plan. By the time it gets to the Planning and Zoning Commission, it’s almost unheard of for a project to still not be compliant. Yet, OVCN clearly is so inflexible that it cannot accomplish this.

Nonetheless, they are given endless opportunity after opportunity. OVCN kicks the can down the road while they work to either elect a favorable Council or delay review by the Planning and Zoning Commission until new commissioners are appointed, or they threaten litigation if they don’t get their way, in much the same way that a playground bully threatens -- Give me what I want or else.

From the pulpit, OVCN has equated this situation as akin to the battle between David and Goliath. Interestingly though, OVCN asserts that it is David, despite its at least three deep pocket outside supporters and thousands of congregants all led and organized by impassioned ministers. Goliath, in this scenario, is the Town (who is neutral and has bent over backwards to facilitate the process despite OVCN intransigence) and several dozen neighbors (almost all of whom have been ignored wholesale by OVCN). If it weren’t so disturbing, it would be laughable at every level. Who is bullying whom?

OVCN has threatened a lawsuit which is based on the legal premise that a church can essentially do anything it wants with its land if it asserts that what they want to do or build is required for their religion. Don’t be intimidated. Every legal precept has limits. Example: One cannot yell fire in a crowded theater, the First Amendment notwithstanding.

Sports are wonderful but they are not required to practice one’s religion. If they were, why doesn’t every Nazarene church have such facilities?

Where does this stop? If you approve this, what precedent have you set? Every entity in the Town, be it another church, a business, or a private citizen, will now be able to say, “You approved this for them, you need to approve such an egregious waiver for me, too.” Zoning will cease to have any function or place in Oro Valley.

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s job is to ensure it meets code. It doesn’t – that’s why they rejected it, and that alone should be enough for you to reject it as well. But even if it met code, it’s also your job to decide whether something is a good idea and in the right location or not. And at every level, this isn’t the right location for this project.

So the answer is simple. Do the right thing, vote against the proposal, and let the chips fall where they may -- because if you are intimidated, the law of unintended consequences will wreak more havoc than any lawsuit that OVCN files.”
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Guest View: Diane Peters - OVCN Failed to Produce even one Congregant Whose Home will be Directly Affected by the Proposed Rezoning

During the February 7 Planning and Zoning hearing for the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene rezoning request, Paul Oland (the applicant) and Pastor Collins attempted to counter the argument that the only people who are in favor of this rezoning are congregants of OVCN who do not live in the immediate neighborhood and therefore will not be negatively impacted by it.

Pastor Collins stated, “We thought it would be helpful to this committee to hear from some homeowners who will be directly affected by this project but share a differing view than what you’ve heard from the neighbors.”

They then produced multiple speakers who live one mile away!
Living one mile away is a false equivalency since the field lights and the loud speakers won’t be intruding into their backyards and inside their homes -- and they won’t be subjected to hundreds of cars driving down their quiet rural street or parking in front of their homes.

Contrary to Pastor Collins’ assertion, those speakers/OVCN congregants will not be directly affected by the project.

None of the speakers offered a compelling argument
One speaker who lives a mile away stated, “I love seeing the lights and hearing the sounds because it’s life. It’s our community coming together for events that have a positive impact. Games, swim meets, graduations. These are families having special moments.”

It turns out that her house is on a rural road on a very large lot and her house is set very far back from the road, hidden behind numerous tall trees that shield her home from the road. In other words, she chose a home that is shielded from the lights and the noise that she claims to love.

Another speaker who lives one mile away stated, “I know there may be some inconvenience to my lifestyle but it is totally worth it to me to see the kids have a safe place to come, learn a sport, find out about Jesus, and make decisions that will have a positive impact on their lives.”

I suppose it’s easy to accept some inconvenience to your lifestyle when in reality, there will be no inconvenience to your lifestyle.

They did produce one speaker who lives, “probably 2/10 of a mile away” from the church. But it’s still a bit of a stretch to say that he will be “directly affected” by the rezoning since the associated traffic will not be driving down his street, a wall of huge trees in front of his house will block the view of the lights on the athletic field, and any sounds coming from the loud speakers will likely be muffled sounds. The decibel level will not be anywhere near what residents living adjacent to the church will endure.

It appears that the Calle Buena Vista neighborhood group was right all along
The applicant and Pastor Collins both failed to prove that there were some OVCN congregants who will be directly affected by the rezoning but who are in favor of it, nonetheless. In fact, they couldn’t produce even one congregant who would actually be directly affected by it.

For some comparison, I live one mile away from an athletic field and when there is an event on the field, although I can see the lights in the distance and I can hear muffled voices over the loud speakers, I am in no way directly affected by it. It has no impact on my daily life and it will have no impact on the resale value of my home.

Planning and Zoning recommended denial of this application. The rezoning was then scheduled to be heard by the Town Council on Wednesday, March 1st. However, OVCN has since requested a postponement of that hearing.
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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast. She’s been involved in OV politics and development issues since 2006, including organizing a citizens group in 2014 that spent 9 months negotiating a controversial 200-acre development project. In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England. Her interests include reading, writing, nature photography, travel, art galleries, museums, and politics.

OVCN has Shown an Utter Disregard for their Neighbors

 

Below is an excerpt of a speech given by Oro Valley resident, Shirl Lamonna, during the February 7th Public Hearing for the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) rezoning. Ms. Lamonna raised questions regarding the Traffic Impact Analysis, the Noise Impact Study, and the General Plan Conformance Analysis.

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I’m a 17 year resident of Oro Valley. I’m not a member of the church. I’m not a member of the Calle Buena Vista community nor do I know any of the people that live there. But like the CBV residents, I, too, moved here for the small-town, peaceful lifestyle with beautiful mountain views. I’ve watched these residents share their concerns for the past 10 months because of what a large sports complex will do to their community. I’ve also heard the church’s views and, as a Christian, I understand their desire to serve kids because I do that at my church. But I’ve been astonished at their utter disregard for their neighbors.

I have some questions/comments related to the supporting documentation for the project.

I’ll start with the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) that was prepared by a Tucson Engineering firm. On Page 3, you’ll see a reference to FDOT level of service standards. FDOT is the Florida Department of Transportation. Page 9 shows the Florida Department of Transportation’s Generalized Annual Average Daily Volumes for Florida’s Urbanized Areas.

Why are we using Florida’s Urbanized DOT standards when this is rural Arizona? Shouldn’t we use ADOT guidelines – as was done with the Oro Valley Town Center TIA?

Moving to Pages 14-15, the crash data (of roadways and intersections near the church) is from 2014 to 2018. The population of OV in 2014 was 39,875. We’re now over 47,000.

Why are we using stale data? This needs to be recalculated up to 2022 - with 2020 data excluded – since CDO High School was closed and didn’t have extra-curricular activities for most of the year due to Covid.

The Noise Impact Study is incomprehensible to me. Regarding its application to Conditions of Approval– Why does it apply only to noise amplification from the athletic field and amphitheater when we already know that noise from worship practice and events in front of the church, such as the Christmas tree lighting – present noise issues?

Regarding the General Plan Conformance Analysis in the Staff Report - Yes, this project does meet some of the General Plan requirements. But it doesn’t provide ALL residents with opportunities for quality living. It’s actually detrimental to the quality of life of the neighborhood residents.

Nor does it provide recreational opportunities unless parents are willing to pay $100 per child to enroll them in a sports program. It doesn’t focus on community safety and safe streets. It doesn’t preserve desert and mountain views. It doesn’t grow high quality employment opportunities. It doesn’t keep our small town neighborly feel. In fact, it has already promoted division.

So in closing, I hope you will address these questions and vote to recommend denial because it doesn’t support the General Plan – the people’s plan.

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The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend denial of the rezoning.  It was then forwarded to the Town Council to be heard on March 1st, but that hearing has since been postponed.  A new date for the hearing has not been set.

Former Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Chair Speaks in Opposition to the OVCN Rezoning

Below is an excerpt from a speech given by Don Cox during the February 7th Public Hearing on the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) rezoning. It’s not often that LOVE and Don Cox agree on town issues, but this time we are in complete agreement.


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“I spent a little over 9 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission of Oro Valley so I have a unique view of what is facing the commission tonight…

It is my opinion that the zoning change should be denied…There are multiple facts, I believe, supporting my opinion. I am not opposed to a sports ministry. I love to see kids participating in sports. I’m 78 year’s old and I still participate in senior softball…

I’m strongly opposed to the location and the inability to mitigate the negative impact on the neighborhood. The activities of the church currently invade the privacy of the surrounding residents. The current parking issues created by the overflow parking close to the church invades the privacy of those who are surrounding the church. When the church holds outdoor activities now, the decibel level leaving the church grounds invades the privacy of the surrounding neighborhood, and I suspect that if measured, it would violate the Town’s zoning codes.

The addition of competitive sports on a playing field that is mere yards from a neighbor’s backyard not only will invade their outdoor space but it will invade the interior of their home. There are current residents who can hear the aforementioned activities inside their homes now.

The church argues that they can’t utilize the current available town parks space for their activities. They state that the availability just isn’t there. I can’t argue with that…but the solution to that is not to punish the neighborhoods surrounding the church.

I thought a church would frown upon robbing St. Peter to pay St. Paul, but that’s exactly what this plan is all about. This project, while well-intended, is simply not compatible with the surrounding area. The traffic and parking issues have not been addressed, the current noise violations will be multiplied, as will lighting issues. I have yet to see a condition that stops light intrusion or sound penetration successfully.

So, when it comes time to vote, I ask that this commission vote denial. Thank you for your service to this community.”

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The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend denial of the rezoning.  It was then forwarded to the Town Council to be heard on March 1st, but that hearing has since been postponed.  A new date for the hearing has not been set.

Guest View: Diane Peters – Protocol Not Followed During the February 7 Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing for OVCN Rezoning

The February 7th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was a poorly run meeting as both the Chair and the Town Attorney failed to take control of the meeting.

Chairman Herrington has only been the Chair for about a month or so, so maybe he's not yet confident enough to speak up, but this is where the expertise of the town attorney comes in and he should have spoken up and given some direction.

Below are some of the problems that occurred that evening.

Five OVCN congregants were allowed to speak prior to the Public Hearing
The applicant pulled “a stunt” in scheduling five people from OVCN to speak during the applicant’s presentation rather than later in the evening during the Public Hearing.

Although the Chair did speak up when one OVCN congregant began her speech and suggested that her speech was more appropriate for the public hearing, she was adamant and said, “I was asked to speak as a member of the church and so this is what I’ve prepared.” She then continued with her speech and he allowed it. She should have been told to come back and speak during the public hearing like everyone else.

Four other OVCN congregants were also allowed to speak during the applicant’s presentation rather than during the Public Hearing portion of the meeting as is customary.

OVCN members were allowed to applaud after each OCVN speaker was finished speaking
Prior to the Public Hearing, when OVCN representatives and congregants were speaking at the podium, the OVCN audience was applauding after each speech and the Chair allowed it and did not instruct them to cease from applauding. He did not issue a directive of no applause until it was time for the Public Hearing portion when people opposed to the rezoning would also be speaking.

Pastor Collins spent a lot of time making derogatory comments about the neighbors
What does his opinion of the neighbors have to do with the rezoning and why didn't the Chair or the town attorney stop him and instruct him to change the direction of his speech? I've seen council members call a Point of Order when a speaker becomes disrespectful. Shouldn’t this also be done during Planning and Zoning hearings?

The church’s attorney spoke but never identified himself
After Paul Oland’s presentation (the applicant representing the church), Oland said that the OVCN attorney was going to speak next but he never introduced him by name. When the attorney approached the podium, he also never stated his name. He just launched into his speech and the Chair did not interrupt him and tell him to state his name for the record. Isn't it incumbent on the Chair to interrupt the speaker and require that they state their name and whether they are a resident of Oro Valley?

Speakers from OVCN were allowed to witness to God and Jesus during the meeting
Why is this allowed when it’s irrelevant to the topic being discussed? Others in attendance should not have to be subjected to their religious proselytizing and witnessing to God at these meetings. That is not the purpose of the meeting and it just causes the meeting to drag on for much longer than necessary. Can the chair instruct speakers that this will not be allowed and that they must discuss the rezoning only?

“You’re out of order! This whole hearing is out of order!”
I thought I’d toss in a little Al Pacino humor.

This whole incident reminded me of how the Green Shirts took over the town meetings during the golf course discussions and how no one stopped them despite them being extremely rude to town officials and also to any speakers who spoke in opposition to keeping the golf courses open. The town should be in control of the meetings -- not OVCN, not the Green Shirts, or any group that exhibits this kind of behavior.

This rezoning will now be heard and voted on by the Town Council. I hope the mayor and town attorney will not allow a repeat performance of the breach of protocol that transpired at this Planning and Zoning meeting.

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Diane Peters has lived in Oro Valley since 2003, moving here to escape the humidity of the East Coast. She’s been involved in OV politics and development issues since 2006, including organizing a citizens group in 2014 that spent 9 months negotiating a controversial 200-acre development project. In her past life, she worked in medical research at various University Hospitals in New England. Her interests include reading, writing, nature photography, travel, art galleries, museums, and politics.

Planning and Zoning Commission Votes to Recommend Denial of the OVCN Rezoning!

At last night’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the commissioners voted 3 to 2 to deny approval of Item A (rezoning to Planned Area Development) and voted unanimously 5-0 to recommend approval of Item B (conceptual architecture for the multi-purpose building and concession building) for the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene.

Excerpts from the Staff Executive Summary
The intent of the proposal is to accommodate a lighted outdoor athletic field (approximately 100,000 square feet), concession building, parking, a new administration office, amphitheater and a multi-purpose building (approximately 75,000 square feet).

Three neighborhood meetings were held regarding this request. Numerous concerns were raised at these meetings including the following:

• Compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood
• Noise impacts from outdoor athletic events
• Lighting impacts from proposed light poles at the field
• Heights of light poles and proposed buildings
• Views
• Traffic and safety
• Parking availability

The Staff Summary addressed the above concerns
The Town admitted that although “Thematically, the proposed uses ‘fit’ in-between the existing church sanctuary site and the CDO High School facilities…the extent of development, however, is incompatible with the area” and “The use of field lighting, outdoor amplification, and associated traffic will impact adjacent property owners.”

The Staff Report also states that “it is important to note that there will be a significant increase in traffic and congestion in the neighborhood.” A condition of approval has been added “that no parking related to OVCN activities may occur in the adjacent public ROW.”

Despite the noise study demonstrating compliance with Zoning Code standards, Town Staff admitted that “noise will still be impactful on adjacent neighbors as no amplified noise currently exists onsite…Moreover, having amplified noise until 10 pm will be disruptive to neighbors…A condition of approval was that amplified noise may not go past 9 pm on Sunday-Thursday and not past 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.”

Town Staff Recommended Approval - Planning and Zoning Commissioners Disagreed
Despite admitting that the proposed development is not compatible with the neighborhood, the staff recommended approval “Based on legal requirements stemming from both Federal and State law.” However, the majority of Planning and Zoning Commissioners remained concerned about the noise and lighting impacts to adjacent residents and that the proposal was incompatible with the General Plan and the rezoning request was denied.

This rezoning proposal will go before the Town Council at a later date for a final decision.

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OVCN: A Negative Intrusion on the Neighborhood

David Dievert, a neighbor of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN), spoke during the Call to Audience at the February 1 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting. 

David and his wife have lived across the street from the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene for 26 years. They have joined with dozens of their neighbors in opposing OVCN’s plans to rezone the church property to accommodate a large sports complex.

According to Dievert, OVCN has had a significant negative impact on the community: “Over the years, the church has increasingly been a negative intrusion for the neighborhood -- with no positives.”

The church degraded the quality of life in the neighborhood
He pointed out that the church has “contributed significantly” to all of the current problems in the neighborhood:
• Increased traffic
• Decreased levels of safety for pedestrians and citizens
• Increased noise
• Light pollution
• Decreased residents' views
• Decreased wildlife and vegetation
• Heat island effect
• Decreased tax revenues for the Town
• Decreased quality of life for neighborhood residents

Dievert then asked, “Has the church contributed anything positive to the neighborhood residents?” He opined that the answer in this case was "NO".

Quoting from Scripture
“The bottom line is that this area was a residential and agricultural neighborhood for many years before intrusion of Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene which actually started in 1986. For the church leadership to try to impose more damage to the neighborhood with their proposed rezoning and construction is not in accordance with Scripture which says, 'Do not plan evil against your neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you.'

Stop the damage to the neighborhood by stopping the rezoning and further construction.”
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At tomorrow evening’s Planning and Zoning Commission hearing at 6 PM in Town Council chambers, the Commission will vote to recommend or deny the OVCN rezoning proposal. This will be followed by a two public hearings before the town council and the a vote of that Town Council after that second hearing.

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Neighbors Cite Safety Concerns of the Proposed OVCN Rezoning during the January 18th Call to Audience

Protecting the "quiet enjoyment" of their property

For months now, neighbors living adjacent to the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene, have been speaking during the "Call to Audience" portion of the Town meetings. They have been speaking in opposition to the church’s plans to build a large sports complex. 

OVCN's plans are to build an athletic field with nighttime field lighting; an amphitheater; and a multi-use building for indoor sports and classrooms. Neighbors have previously cited concerns about increased traffic, light pollution, and noise infringement on their quiet, rural neighborhood.

Below are two of the speeches from the January 18th Town Council meeting.
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Neighbor, Devon Smith, discusses noise and pedestrian safety issues
"My name is Devon Smith. I have a home on Calle Milagro and I am also strongly opposed to the rezone. Quite simply, this neighborhood is not zoned right now for what the church is proposing and the approval of this rezone would compromise our neighborhood significantly.

There are many generations who have made homes and lives in this place and this expansion would disrupt that. I know my neighbors have spoken on it. I respect the vision of the church, I just don’t think this is the right place for it. It’s nestled in our beautiful neighborhood which is truly a gem of a neighborhood. I had never been anywhere quite like it. I love living there. My family loves living there and I want to protect that.

What they have proposed is daily and nightly activities that would increase traffic and sound all through the week. I have two young children so I’m used to a lot of noise, but I also want to be able to step outside and hear the owl in the cypress tree and the coyotes and all the beautiful things that surround us in that neighborhood that would be overshadowed by the sounds coming from the church all day and all night long.

Traffic is another issue for me. We don’t have sidewalks. I have two young kids who are riding bikes, who are walking, and increased traffic in any part of the neighborhood makes me concerned for the safety of my family and our neighbors.

The streets were not built for this and the neighborhood was not built for this and I urge you to protect that. I think our neighborhood is very unique and I look at my kids’ faces and I know I want this special part of Tucson preserved for them as well as for the lives of everyone who has built homes there."

CDO High School student, Liam Dadeppo, addresses increased traffic endangering the student body
"I’m Liam Dadeppo. I’m a member of the Youth Advisory Council here in Oro Valley as well as a CDO student and I’m part of that student government.

As stated by the neighborhood members who’ve been showing up to these council meetings relentlessly, as I’ve been attending some of these meetings, the traffic at CDO and Calle Concordia is already bad enough. I urge the Council to think about the fact that our school’s already teeming with so many new drivers which has already caused many accidents since I started going to school there in 2020.

I would also like the Council to think about the fact that if this rezoning is put in, this will cause so much more traffic that is not just going to affect the neighborhood but might endanger the student body. I feel that even though you have heard so many opinions from this group of neighbors, and I appreciate as I said before, their fight to stop this rezoning, it’s good for you to hear it from a member of the student body.

I wanted you to know that if this was put into effect, it won’t be just the neighbors that you’ll be hearing from when you come to a meeting, it will be the student body and it will be the parents of the student body as well because this will be endangering us."

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