Bits and Pieces

Former council member supports OVCN height request 

Former Oro Valley Council Member Steve Solomon spoke in support of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s (OVCN) request to increase the height of its new sanctuary during a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on Tuesday. Solomon emphasized OVCN’s positive impact on the community, highlighting its role in hosting town events and charitable initiatives. He referenced the annual Feed My Starving Children event, where “7,000 local residents came to OVCN to volunteer to package over a million packets of meals for starving children.” Solomon urged decision-makers to focus on facts rather than emotions, stating that the building height request aligns with zoning laws and precedents, adding that “disapproval of this request would require compelling facts solely related to the height.” Solomon, a congregant of the church, was the last audience speaker. Shortly thereafter, the commission unanimously denied the request.

One day, BofA building may be able to display colors on its logo… will Target be next? 

Tuesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended allowing Bank of America to follow the town’s sign code (Chapter 28) instead of the more restrictive Rooney Ranch Sign Code, which was established in 1998. The final decision now rests with the Town Council when it takes up this matter at next Wednesday's meeting. If approved by the council, the bank will be able to display its official logo colors instead of the current variation. This raises the question—will Target make a similar request? Years ago, Target was denied permission to use its signature red color on the trademark balls at the store entrance.

Rockin' 4 Heroes 2025 date

The 2025 Rockin’ 4 Heroes Annual Concert will be held during Veterans Day Weekend in Oro Valley. Bands and other concert-related information will be forthcoming. "For now, save this weekend for us and consult our website or Facebook event page. Stay tuned to LOVE, our website and our various social media platforms for updates! We can’t wait to see you again!" (Source: Rockin' 4 Heroes email)

Big bridge repair grant is still in limbo 

Grants are an important source of revenue for the town. We last reported in October that Oro Valley was pursuing significant funding for infrastructure repairs. Not much has changed since then. In his January executive report to the council, the Town Manager noted that the largest of these grants is “…in a waiting period for the Town of Oro Valley Bridge Repair Project.” This grant totals $7 million. Town Manager Wilkins added, “The good news is that our project remains in a strong position for a final Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations bill. However, it is likely we will not have any additional information to share until mid-March.” (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, January 2025)

The grant is sponsored by Congressman Ciscomani, who, alongside Mayor Winfield, publicly celebrated the project’s inclusion in the bill. However, it remains uncertain whether the funding will survive the final approval process. If it doesn’t, the town will need to find another grant source or fund the project itself—a financial burden that Wilkins described as a “big nut to crack.” 

State seems to be a very poor source of economic development leads

In December, the town received one economic development opportunity from the state. According to Town Manager Wilkins:  “Oro Valley was included in state-wide searches by one prospective business in December 2024. The Town was unable to respond as the project was zoned heavy industrial and required rail service.” (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, January 2025). We cannot recall the town receiving any economic development lead from the state in the past two years which was even close to being something suitable for the community. 

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Get Engaged In OV’s Path Forward. It is the Community’s Next 10-year Action Plan.

You Spoke Up—Now It's Time to Transform Your Voice into Action
Last year, residents shared their priorities and expectations for Oro Valley's future. Now it’s time to create measurable actions to achieve those priorities and expectations!

Using the draft vision and guiding principles as a framework, residents are invited to join a "Resident Working Group" to develop goals, policies, and actions that lead to real results in the community. Phase 2: Let’s Think kicks off on January 28. This is the best opportunity for residents to shape the action plan that will guide the next 10 years.

February: Set Goals for Town Finances, Transportation, and Public Safety
Each month, Resident Working Groups will focus on a different topic. In February, groups will discuss Transportation, Town Finances, and Public Safety. Join a group to help brainstorm actions the Town should take to:

• Proactively maintain roads
• Maintain financial stability
• Keep public safety as the community’s top priority

Resident Working Groups will meet twice a month. During each meeting, participants will discuss existing conditions and the extensive feedback provided by residents last year to generate ideas. Each session will result in a list of draft actions.

Stay Engaged!
Over the next several months, results from the Resident Working Group meetings will be posted online. The entire community is encouraged to follow along as draft goals, policies, and actions take shape.

Don’t wait! Sign up for a Resident Working Group today to be part of this important conversation. The online kick-off event will be held on January 28 from 5:30–7:30 PM.

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Did You Know? A General Plan Amendment Is Being Considered For A Major Development At Oracle and Hardy

A General Plan Amendment for a Mixed-Use Project
A General Plan Amendment is being processed by the Town of Oro Valley for the development of a “mixed-use” project at the southwest corner of Oracle and Hardy Roads. The property, currently open space, spans approximately 18.5 acres and comprises four separate parcels. Four of these parcels are included in the request for general plan amendment changes. The first neighborhood meeting regarding this proposal is scheduled for tonight at the Oro Valley Town Hall. Residents can attend either in person or online.

Current Land Use and Zoning
The property is currently divided into two primary land use designations. A portion is designated for large residential lots, where single-family homes are built on spacious properties, preserving a rural character. Another portion is designated for medium-density housing, which permits townhomes or smaller single-family homes built closer together. Additionally, a small section of the land is already zoned for commercial use, suitable for businesses like shops or offices.

Requested Land Use Changes
The applicant is requesting changes to the property’s designations to allow for what they assert will be a more a cohesive and practical use. The area closest to Oracle Road would be designated for commercial development, including retail stores, offices, and restaurants. The portion on Camino Greenfield will be e used for a residential community of 39 townhomes. This residential area would also include open space to serve as a buffer between the development and neighboring homes while preserving some natural areas for drainage.

This is an unusual request for two reasons

There are at least to key items to learn more about during the upcoming neighborhood meeting:

• Ownership Discrepancy
  According to county records, not all the parcels under consideration are owned by the applicant, Skyline Ridge, LLC, despite their claim that they own all four parcels involved in the request 
• Questionable Mixed-Use Designation
  The project lacks the co-dependency typically required for a “mixed-use” designation, as the residential and commercial components are not dependent on one another.  In other words, the success of the commercial properties will not be dependent on the new housing units; nor will the commercial properties be a major inducement for the new residents. However, the developer does have plans at least try to make them codependent (See note below)

Community involvement needed
Oro Valley residents are encouraged to participate in the neighborhood meeting process to ensure that the development addresses community concerns and reflects local needs. Nearby neighborhoods, including Rancho Feliz, Sunnyslope, and Shadow Mountain Estates, as well as homeowner associations within 1,000 feet of the project, have been identified for outreach.

There is always "more than meets the eye" involved in every General Plan and zoning change requested. This neighborhood meeting is your opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions, and provide feedback. Resident involvement at this stage will help ensure that the development aligns with the needs and values of the Oro Valley community.
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Editor Note 1: Ownership
The Ravitz Family Trust is listed as the tax agent for two of the four parcels.

Editor Note 2: Mixed Use
The developer plans to make the project a mixed-use development by enhancing pedestrian connectivity within the site and the surrounding neighborhood. They will install sidewalks along Hardy Road and Camino Greenfield, where none currently exist, and provide safe, accessible pathways through the development. The design includes outdoor plaza and gathering spaces, complemented by wide sidewalks to promote walkability and ease of access for nearby residents. Additionally, the scenic corridor will feature significant vegetation preservation, maintaining the natural aesthetic of the area while integrating these new community-focused elements.

UPDATE: Proposal Denied-OVCN Height Request To Be Heard Tonight; Strong Community Objections Expected

The past is prologue

If last week’s Call to Audience portion of the Oro Valley Town Council meeting is any indication, strong objections are expected tonight regarding the request for a height increase for a planned sanctuary at the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene.

Nine residents spoke in opposition to the proposal. Their objections focused on several key issues, including the project’s incompatibility with the surrounding residential neighborhood, increased traffic and noise, potential declines in property values, and OVCN’s use of a procedural loophole to avoid full project disclosure and review.

Residents have voiced overwhelming concern

The overwhelming concern is that what was once a small, nice neighborhood church has become a nightmare for the community because it is simply too big for the area. Now, the church wants to get even bigger and believes it is entitled to do so. Rather than moving forward with a design to which it is currently entitled, the church has decided it needs the sanctuary to be taller than what currently exists. This new height must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. That is the focus of tonight’s meeting.

The "ask" us a bridge too far

What is interesting about this is that the zoning for the property allows for greater height if that height is approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. In other words, this is not a request for rezoning or a request for a General Plan amendment. This is simply, as town staff has often put it, an “ask.” We have never seen a situation like this as we approach our 18th year of publishing LOVE. The commission is under no obligation to approve this “ask.” In fact, they can simply deny it or choose not to vote on it, leaving the matter to be settled by the Town Council if OVCN decides to appeal the decision.

Will the siege ever end?

This “ask” is yet another attempt by OVCN to overwhelm the neighborhood. They’ve been pursuing growth for four years now, and we suspect they will continue their relentless efforts regardless of tonight's outcome. Their four year siege demonstrates that they don’t care about the impact on the neighborhood or their neighbors; they only care about getting what they want. This makes it very difficult for the neighbors. We know many of them—they are peaceful and simply want to be left alone to enjoy their lovely homes. After all, the area is unique; it is the original Oro Valley.

We will post an update on what happens at the meeting here. Sign up for our Facebook page so you can get a notice of this an all other updates.

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The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanmously (7-0) to deny the "ask" for the height increases on the basis that the proposal is incompatible with the area in accordance with the Your Voice, Our Future General Plan design standard.

Exploring Oro Valley’s Rich History: Upcoming Events and Volunteer Opportunities

Gratitude for Oro Valley Chamber Foundation Grant
Last month, we expressed our gratitude to the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation for their generous grant, which will allow us to install permanent signage on the historic grounds of Steam Pump Ranch. These signs will provide visitors with information about the history of the buildings, whether or not our volunteers are present. Our committee met in December to begin the process, and they are excited about the progress so far!

Holiday Exhibit: Decking the Halls with Many Traditions
While sharing that wonderful news, we want to highlight our holiday exhibit, Decking the Halls with Many Traditions, which was on display through last Saturday. The exhibit showcased holiday traditions from Southern Arizona, Mexico, Germany (where George Pusch was born), and beyond. We’re confident you’ll discover something new about how different cultures in our region celebrate this magical season.

Upcoming Exhibit: All in a Day’s Work – Life on the Ranch
Starting January 11 and running through February 8, our exhibit at the Pusch House Museum will change to All in a Day’s Work – Life on the Ranch. This exhibit will explore ranch life in our area from the late 1800s into the early 21st century. Who were some of the ranchers who called this area home? Why did they choose Oro Valley? What kinds of plants and animals did they raise? What were the challenges and rewards of ranch life? And what led to the decline of ranching in the region? Our volunteers will be on hand every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to answer these questions and more. Tours of the Pusch House Museum are free, and donations are always appreciated.

Join the Oro Valley Historical Society
The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization with the mission: “To promote research, preservation, education, and dissemination of historical information related to the greater Oro Valley area.” We invite you to become a supporter and help keep Oro Valley history alive.

Volunteer Opportunities Available
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as docents at the Pusch House Museum and for tours of Steam Pump Ranch. If you love social media, fundraising, or gardening, we’d love to have your skills—there’s something for everyone. History loves company!

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Council To Consider General Plan Amendment Tonight... Public Input Invited

Oro Valley land use change under discussion
Every parcel of land in Oro Valley has a permitted use, defined by the town’s zoning code. A permitted use is a legal right that defines how the land can be developed or used under the town’s zoning code. Any change to a permitted requires Town Council approval. The approval results in a zoning change, and sometimes an amendment to the general plan (GPA).

Tonight, the Town Council will discuss an application to change a permitted use: A GPA and zoning change for property at the intersection of Moore Road and La Cañada Drive. 

Northridge Subdivision proposal
The parcel under evaluation is called Northridge Estates, a proposed 31-lot single-family development on 35.4 acres of vacant land at the southwest corner of Moore Road and La Cañada Drive. The property, owned by the estate of Dewayne and Daniella Hopson, is currently permitted by the general plan for low density residential use. The developer is Insight Homes, LLC.  The developer and the land owner are being represented by Paul Oland of Paradigm Land Design.  Oland, a non Oro Valley resident, is involved in almost all of the GPA and/or rezoning requests that are made of the town.  If approved, the GPA and rezoning change will allow for more homes, immediately increasing the vacant land's market value by permitting higher-density development.

Proposed changes to zoning
The amendment seeks to change part of the site’s designation from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential (MDR) and rezone the land from low density to medium density use. According the the GPA amendment request, this would create lot sizes consistent with nearby subdivisions. The plan includes 47% open space preservation, pedestrian connectivity with a public trail easement, and a private recreation area.

Conditions for project approval
Conditions, approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission when it voted in favor the the changes, are proposed to ensure the development aligns with community standards. Landscaping along Moore Road, including boulders and shallow-rooted vegetation, will prevent parking along the sidewalks. Future homeowner-installed walls must match the design and materials of neighboring properties, as specified in the community’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).

Applicant: Development will fit well within the area and within existing town requirements

According to the General Plan Amendment application, Insight Homes has a proven track record in Oro Valley, including the development of the La Cañada Ridge neighborhood, located directly south of the proposed Northridge Estates site. La Cañada Ridge features "...luxury custom homes on generously sized lots" and has set a standard for high-quality, low-density residential development in the area. Insight Homes has been active in Marana in the Tortolita Vistas Phase II development; building and selling homes in the low seven figures.

Applicant: Development aligns with 2016 General Plan

The applicant believes that Northridge Estates project aligns Oro Valley’s “Your Voice, Our Future” General Plan by emphasizing compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods, environmental preservation, and enhanced pedestrian connectivity. Public outreach has addressed concerns such as traffic impacts and parking issues along Moore Road, and the builder has committed to incorporating measures like wildlife-friendly infrastructure, mitigation of unauthorized parking, and adherence to Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO) requirements.

This is a public hearing

Residents will have the opportunity to present their thoughts on the GPA/Zoning request tonight. "Your feedback is critical in helping to shape the proposal that will ultimately be considered by the Town Council. The Town encourages participation from surrounding neighbors and interested parties." (Source)

UPDATE:

The Oro Valley Town Council took the following actions regarding the proposed 31-lot single-family subdivision at the southwest corner of Moore Road and La Cañada Drive:

• Approved Resolution No. R25-02 (General Plan Amendment):
  The Council unanimously approved the amendment to change the land use designation for the eastern portion of the site from low-density residential to medium-density residential. This approval was necessary to proceed with the rezoning request.
• Conditionally Approved Ordinance No. O25-01 (Rezoning):
  The Council unanimously approved the rezoning of the property from R1-144 to R1-36 on the western portion and R1-20 on the eastern portion. This approval was contingent upon compliance with specified conditions, notably addressing landscaping and the right-of-way improvements to deter illegal truck parking along Moore Road.

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Residents Want Maintenance of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Boundaries..Town Staff Says "NO"

Council to consider Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve boundary maintenance
The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve can be a cherished asset in Oro Valley, symbolizing the community’s dedication to preserving open space for recreation and conservation. However, the town's planned  preserve’s management does raise questions about town staff's commitment to realizing this vision.

Most recently, this is evident in staff-prepared rules for managing the boundaries of the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.  The Town Council will consider these rules tomorrow evening. According to town staff, these rules "...are reasonable, clear, and actionable under the terms of the Conservation Easement (CE), an enforceable agreement establishing what may and may not be done, and by whom, on and with Preserve lands." Tomorrow’s Oro Valley Town Council meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to share their input on these rules.

There will be no maintenance of the perimeter
Under the proposed rules, the Town will not maintain the property’s boundary unless there is a health or safety issue, limiting its routine maintenance efforts to walking trails and right-of-way areas. Homeowners are restricted to maintaining their own property lines, with any encroachment on preserve land requiring prior written authorization. 

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is not a "Preserve"

The Town justification for this, one supported by the conservation easement holder Archeology Southwest, is based on their interpretation of the CE agreement. They believe that the land is legally a “designated preserve,” relieving the town of broader maintenance responsibilities. Legally, however, this is not the case. The easement’s purpose is to “...protect the Conservation Values of the Property and to preserve the continued natural, scenic, open space, and/or recreational uses of the Property.” (Source: CE Document P 5)

The Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, while functioning as a preserve in many respects, differs from a legally designated “preserve” in key ways. It is governed by a Conservation Easement, which protects its natural, scenic, and recreational values under specific restrictions, but does not explicitly use “preserve” as a legal designation. Unlike some preserves established under federal or state law, the easement allows for limited development, such as low-impact recreation infrastructure, and is enforced by a private grantee (e.g., Archaeology Southwest) rather than a government entity. Additionally, the easement imposes obligations on the Town to maintain and restore the property, a level of specificity not always present in general preserve designations. While similar in intent to preserves, the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve’s protections are tied to the terms of its easement rather than broader legislative definitions.

Lack of routine maintenance concerns residents
To date, the town 's minimal maintenance approach has forced homeowners to address boundary issues to protect property values. With no long-term restoration plan in place, the proposed rules effectively leave invasive growth unchecked, impacting neighboring properties.  

The perimeter is a mess [Panel right]. What was once a strip of carefully replanted desert behind homes—a manicured and low-lying landscape—has now transformed into a chaotic mix of invasive species and barren ground. During the rainy season, this area becomes a dense forest of non-native plants, overshadowing the original desert flora. When the rain subsides, the once-vibrant space turns into a sea of dried, bladed devastation, leaving a stark and unkempt expanse.

The path forward on this requires your input

Residents with properties bordering the preserve are concerned about their ability to maintain fence lines and address issues like noxious weeds and pest infestations. The Friends of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve have advocated for clearer and more actionable rules. They reviewed the draft rules and provided input, but none of their suggestions were incorporated into the rules being presented tomorrow night.

The upcoming Council discussion represents an opportunity to address these issues collaboratively. By incorporating resident feedback and reaffirming the Town’s commitment to maintaining and restoring the preserve, a balanced approach can be achieved.

This matters to all of us

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve is more than just open space—it is a shared resource that reflects the community’s values. With continued dialogue and thoughtful action, it can be a treasured asset for generations.

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UPDATE

The Town Council recommended revising the draft maintenance standards for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve to be more flexible and supportive of adjacent homeowners. Suggestions included allowing a buffer zone behind property fences for basic maintenance, implementing a no-fee permit process for certain tasks, and involving homeowners in organized volunteer efforts to address invasive species and fire risks. Additionally, the Council emphasized the need for better communication with residents regarding easement rules and proposed consulting the fire department for a formal fire risk assessment of the property.