It Sounds So Innocent (Part 3): Residents Voice Major Concern Over Entire OVCN Project

Residents voice concerns over OVCN expansion
Residents voiced concerns in five areas regarding the proposed expansion of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) at the September 26 town-hosted neighborhood meeting. These five areas are in addition to the height variance concerns we noted in yesterday's article.

Traffic impact from the new parking lot
One of the concerns raised by residents was the potential increase in traffic caused by the new parking lot, which will accommodate around 600 vehicles. Residents questioned how the added traffic would affect the surrounding neighborhood, particularly during peak times for church services and events.

In response, Paul Oland, representing OVCN, noted that traffic studies had been initiated, but final results were not yet available. He assured residents that the church would work with the town to mitigate traffic impacts, but no specific solutions were presented at the meeting. Town staff also mentioned that the study would be reviewed once complete.

Noise pollution
Several residents expressed concerns about noise levels from ongoing church activities, particularly during outdoor events. One resident mentioned, “The noise from church events already reaches our homes. With more people, this will get worse.”

Oland acknowledged these concerns and assured the residents that the new facilities would focus on indoor activities, reducing outdoor noise. However, he did not provide any specific noise mitigation strategies during the meeting. Town staff did not comment on the noise issue but indicated that noise levels would be monitored to comply with town regulations.

Flooding and drainage issues due to increased paved surfaces
Some residents raised concerns about potential flooding and drainage problems that could arise from the increase in paved surfaces, such as parking lots and new buildings. A resident asked, “With all the new asphalt, what’s going to happen when it rains? Will there be flooding in our streets?”

Oland responded by stating that a detailed drainage plan would be prepared as part of the project’s design and that the church would ensure compliance with Oro Valley’s stormwater management guidelines. He reassured residents that the drainage plan would address their concerns, though no specific details were provided at the time. Town staff confirmed that the drainage study would be part of the formal review process.

Lack of transparency on future expansions
Several residents expressed frustration over a perceived lack of transparency regarding future plans for the church. One resident asked, “Is this project just the start of something bigger? Are we going to see more buildings going up in the next few years?” This concern reflected broader worries about continuous expansion by OVCN.

Oland responded by saying, “There are no plans for future expansion at this time. Our focus is on completing the current project to meet the immediate needs of the congregation.” He reassured residents that the height variance was not part of a long-term expansion plan, but he did not offer specific guarantees about what might happen in the future. Town staff did not comment further on the issue of transparency.

Property value decline due to the project
Another significant concern voiced by residents was how the new facilities and increased activity at the church might impact property values. One resident asked, “How will this project affect our property values? Will all this new construction drive them down?”

In response, town staff stated that the project’s compliance with existing zoning laws and its design considerations, such as landscaping and noise mitigation, were meant to minimize any negative impact on neighboring properties. Oland added that the church had taken steps to ensure the new buildings would blend in with the neighborhood to the best extent possible, though he did not directly address the specific impact on property values.

Yes. The request for height variance on the proposed expansion seems so innocent, but it is ever so complicated.  Tomorrow, one resident explains how something that was so simple at the beginning has turned out to be such a nightmare for their community.

It Sounds So Innocent (Part 2): Residents Question Motive and Need For Height Variance

Residents raise concerns over height variance for OVCN expansion
At the September 26, 2024, open house, Oro Valley residents voiced significant concerns about the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene's (OVCN) request for a height variance to build a 40-foot-tall sanctuary. The meeting, hosted by the town’s planning department, allowed residents to ask questions and express their worries about how the variance would impact their neighborhood.

Impact on views and property values
Several residents questioned how the proposed height of the sanctuary would affect their scenic views and property values. The 40-foot structure would exceed the current zoning limit of 24 feet, leading one resident to ask, “How is this going to impact the property values and the view for the neighbors?” Town staff acknowledged the concerns but noted that the height variance request was within the bounds of what the zoning code allows for certain structures like auditoriums.

Skepticism about the necessity of the height...Concerns about basketball courts in the sanctuary

Residents questioned whether the requested height was genuinely necessary for a sanctuary, with some expressing skepticism about the church’s intentions. One resident directly asked if the height was being justified for an “all-purpose room,” noting, “We were told it would have two basketball courts, and that’s why you need the extra height.” In response, Oland stated, “The height is necessary to support the sanctuary’s stadium-style seating, not for basketball courts.” He emphasized that the building is intended for worship services, and while the church might offer recreational programs, its primary purpose remains religious.

Granting a variance may set a precedent for future expansion
Another major worry among residents was whether the height variance would set a precedent for further expansions in the future. Several people asked if the request was part of a larger, long-term development plan, raising concerns about the potential for continuous construction projects. One resident remarked, “Is this part of a bigger, longer project? And if that’s the case, all the numbers we see tonight would be moot.” Oland reassured residents that the current request was not connected to any future expansions and that the church’s focus was solely on meeting the needs of its growing congregation.

Tomorrow we explore the many resident concerns expressed in other areas
In addition to the height variance, residents raised many other questions during the meeting. These included concerns about increased traffic from the new parking lot, noise levels from ongoing church activities, and potential flooding issues due to increased paved surfaces. Michael Spaeth informed residents that while these areas were part of the entitlement for the land and did not require approval, the neighborhood meeting provided an opportunity for residents to shape what was being done. In the next article, we will dive deeper into these concerns and provide a detailed look at the broader discussions that took place during the meeting.

Tomorrow: Residents believe proposed expansion ads risks to the community

It Sounds So Innocent (Part 1): OVCN Wants Height Variance for New Sanctuary Expansion

Major expansion project formally unveiled at a neighborhood meeting
On September 26, 2024, the Town of Oro Valley hosted an open house to discuss the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene’s (OVCN) proposal to expand its facilities. Click here to learn more about OVCN, this request and the existing rezoning request.

Representatives from the town’s planning department—Bayer Vella, Kyle Packard, and Michael Spaeth—along with Paul Oland, representing OVCN, provided an overview of the project. 

The height variance request has nothing to do with a pending zoning request

The focus of the meeting was OVCN’s request for a height variance to construct a new sanctuary. “This is a new application, separate from the previous rezoning proposal,” Spaeth said during the introduction.

But it’s more complicated than that: A new sanctuary and supporting buildings
The expansion project includes constructing a larger sanctuary, a student center, and a maintenance building. The sanctuary is the central feature, designed to accommodate the church’s growing congregation. “The proposed sanctuary is necessary to meet the growing needs of our church,” Oland explained. The student center and maintenance building will comply with the 18-foot height restriction set by zoning laws.

A height variance is being requested for the sanctuary building
OVCN is seeking a height variance to build the sanctuary up to 40 feet tall, exceeding the current zoning limit of 24 feet. They could have requested a height variance of up to 45 feet. The variance is necessary to accommodate the sanctuary’s internal design, which includes stadium-style seating to ensure clear sightlines.

Staff told residents told to "stay in their lane"
Spaeth and town staff emphasized that the height variance is the only element requiring town approval. All other components of the development—including the student center, maintenance building, and parking lot—are permitted uses under the current zoning. “Outside of the building height ask, everything else in this proposal is permitted by the zoning code.” Spaeth noted this several times, directing residents to focus on the variance as the sole issue up for discussion.  The variance requires only the approval of the town's Planning and Zoning Commission

Paved parking lot site design
The project also includes a new parking lot to handle the increased number of attendees. The lot will feature landscape buffers, including trees and a solid wall, to minimize its visual impact on surrounding areas. “We’ve designed the parking lot with visual barriers in mind, ensuring it integrates well into the neighborhood,” said Oland. The lot will accommodate about 600 vehicles.

Church just keeps on growing
According to Oland, the expansion reflects the significant growth OVCN has experienced in recent years. The new sanctuary and additional facilities will enable the church to better serve its growing congregation while continuing to offer its existing ministries. “This project is a direct response to the blessings of growth we’ve experienced,” Oland added. He believes these additions will support the church’s future as it continues to expand its outreach.

  

Tomorrow: Residents get no real answer to why the facility needs to be 40' high

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Bits and Pieces

Town expands its SRO program to Lehman Academy
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved an agreement on Wednesday night between the Town of Oro Valley Police Department and Leman Academy of Excellence to assign a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) at the academy. The SRO position will be funded by a grant awarded to Leman Academy by the Arizona Department of Education, covering the officer’s salary and related expenses for a three-year period. This collaboration is intended to strengthen the relationship between the school and the police department, enhancing safety and support for the school community.

Welcome “Panorama Trails”
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the renaming of West Lambert Lane Park to Panorama Trails as part of the town’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The change was necessary to better reflect the park’s purpose as a space dedicated to scenic trails rather than a traditional park with playgrounds or other facilities. 

The name “Panorama Trails” was recommended by both the STEAM camp participants and the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) because of the park’s beautiful views of surrounding mountain ranges. During the discussion, council members emphasized the importance of honoring the youth’s contributions and agreed that the new name accurately describes the park’s tranquil trails and panoramic scenery.

Town receives yet another award for financial reporting
Each year the Town of Oro Valley finance department receives an award for its financial reporting. 2023 was no exception. A recent town media release announced that the town was named a “Triple Crown” winner for financial reporting for the fiscal year 2023 by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This designation is awarded to governments that achieve GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award within a single year. Oro Valley is one of only 356 governments to receive the Triple Crown distinction in 2023, marking the town’s 12th consecutive year of receiving this honor. Chief Financial Officer David Gephart expressed pride in the achievement, attributing it to the hard work of the finance team in maintaining high standards for producing clear and accurate financial reports. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Some fun things to do this weekend

This weekend in Oro Valley, there are three exciting events for the community to enjoy. 

• Tonight from 7-9:30 p.m., head to Steam Pump Ranch for the Friday Night Concert, featuring live music from Hardscrabble Road, playing hits from the 50s, 60s, and select country favorites. 
• Tomorrow enjoy "Movie at the Ranch", a free outdoor screening of Back to the Future III starting at 6 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch. Bring your blankets and chairs for a fun family movie night under the stars. 
• Also Tomorrow join the Oro Valley Hiking Series at 7 a.m. for a beginner-friendly 2.3-mile hike at Honeybee Canyon, led by certified staff who will provide interpretive information along the trail. It's the perfect weekend to explore local music, movies, and nature!

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks Bulletin)

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Discover Exciting Historical Society Fall Events and Volunteer Opportunities at Steam Pump Ranch

Celebrate fall at Steam Pump Ranch
It’s October, and what a great fall season we’ve had at historic Steam Pump Ranch! 

Santa Catalina exhibit this Saturday

Many of you have visited the Pusch House Museum to see our current exhibit, The Santa Catalinas: Our Magnificent Mountains. This exhibit is available to view on Saturday, October 5 and 12, after which we’ll change exhibits to A Salute to the Military: Recognizing Military Service, Both Past and Present, which will be on display until November 23. (Please note, the museum will be closed on November 30.)

October 12: Exciting raffle and Jeep display
And look what's happening on October 12 for Jim Click Raffle supporters—you’ll have the opportunity to see this year’s First Place Prize, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Plug-in Hybrid (MSRP starting at $61,180), at Steam Pump Ranch! The Society will have it on display, so you can envision what it would be like to win it for your family. We’ll be selling raffle tickets that day (as we do every Saturday until November 23), and you could be the lucky winner! 

Tickets are only $25 each or 5 for $100, and all proceeds from ticket sales support the Oro Valley Historical Society, thanks to the generosity of Jim Click. So, visit the Ranch on October 12 to buy a ticket, see the Museum, indulge in the goodies at the Heirloom Farmers Market, and discover what treasures the vendors have brought for you.

October 15: Special author event at Oro Valley Public Library
In keeping with our military theme in October, on October 15 at 2 p.m. at the Oro Valley Public Library, we will have the honor of hearing from Venetia Hobson Lewis, author of the award-winning novel Changing Woman: A Novel of the Camp Grant Massacre. This novel weaves together the stories of the actual perpetrators with fictional characters to recreate the events of 1871, both in relation to the massacre and their private lives.

Visit the museum and library for free
Visits to the Museum and the presentation at the library are complimentary, and donations are gladly accepted. We hope you will join us to help keep Oro Valley history alive—history loves company!

Join the Oro Valley Historical Society
The Oro Valley Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization, whose mission is “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 are currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are interested in becoming docents at the Pusch House Museum and for Steam Pump Ranch tours. Also, if you love social media, fundraising, or gardening, we could use your skills—there’s something for everyone because history loves company! Contact us at https://www.ovhistory.org.
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Council Addresses Challenge of Rebuilding The Desert: Part 3-Council and Resident Concerns

Council and Resident Concerns Shape the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Restoration Plan
As the Vistoso Nature Preserve restoration moves forward, council members and residents have voiced several concerns that are being carefully considered to ensure the project balances ecological goals with community needs. From preserving mountain views to managing dust and invasive plants, here’s what they said at the September 17 council meeting:

Preserving Scenic Mountain Views
One of the top concerns for residents living near the Preserve is the potential obstruction of scenic views of the Catalina Mountains. As one resident stated, “Our views are a big part of why we live here. We’re concerned that tall trees planted too close to our homes could block those views.” Council members echoed this sentiment, with Mayor Winfield noting that “preserving views is a key concern for many residents.”

To address this, the restoration team is considering the types and locations of trees to ensure that low-growing plants are used in areas where views are a priority. Consultant Rebecca Field emphasized that the team is aware of these concerns and will work to ensure that “the planting plan takes into account the need to preserve the open sightlines for those living nearby.”

Minimizing Prolific Native Plants Like Desert Broom
Another major issue raised by both the council and residents is the use of desert broom, a native but aggressive plant. While desert broom thrives in desert environments and supports pollinators, it is often viewed as undesirable due to its fast growth and invasive nature. “Desert broom may succeed in restoration,” Field acknowledged, “but it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing choice.” Residents expressed concerns that desert broom could spread quickly and take over the landscape, reducing the visual appeal of the restored Preserve.

This feedback has prompted the restoration team to consider alternative native plants that will not only thrive in the environment but also align with community preferences for aesthetics and long-term maintenance. “We want to find a balance between restoring the ecosystem and maintaining a visually appealing landscape,” Field explained.

Dust and Valley Fever Concerns During the Restoration
Residents living near the Preserve have also raised concerns about dust during restoration, particularly from the barren berm areas. “There’s a real concern about dust and valley fever,” one resident commented. Valley fever, a fungal infection spread through dust, poses a health risk to those in proximity to the Preserve.

To mitigate this risk, residents have suggested alternative approaches, including using rock material and water-harvesting techniques to stabilize the berm without disturbing the soil. “We understand that dust is a concern, especially with the health risks it poses,” Field said. “We’re exploring ways to stabilize the soil and minimize dust during the restoration process.”

Concerns About Funding
With the town investing $2 million per year into the project, there have been questions about how much money will ultimately be needed to restore the Preserve. Several council members expressed concerns about the timeline and the scale of the project. “We need to ensure that we’re using the funds wisely,” one council member stated.

Field agreed, emphasizing that the restoration will be done in phases, starting with the most manageable sections of the Preserve. “We’re starting with the perimeter, working inward. This phased approach will allow us to make steady progress while staying within budget,” Field explained.

Concerns About Maximizing Grant Opportunities
A critical issue raised during the council meeting was the need to maximize grant funding to support the restoration of the Vistoso Nature Preserve. Vice Mayor Barrett emphasized this point, stating, “I would propose to council that if we can get 1.5 million in grant funding through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, then maybe we should readjust where we spend our funds to maximize the opportunity.”

Barrett also suggested that the council consider providing sufficient flexibility in its budget so the town can qualify for the maximum amount of grant funds. She asked for an update on the status of the grant applications, raising the question of how the town can adjust its spending to align with potential grant requirements.

Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting responded, explaining the challenges of timing and flexibility in the grant process. “When we had Naranja, it was about eight months until we were given approval on the grant. That was considered a quick timeline, so we need to be mindful of the timing involved in waiting for grants.” She also emphasized that certain recreational elements in the Preserve—such as benches, shade structures, and trails—could increase the town’s chances of receiving grants from programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. “We’re already exploring opportunities,” Epting assured, while highlighting the importance of aligning the Preserve’s features with grant requirements to optimize funding.

Maximizing Community Engagement and Participation
Despite these concerns, there is a strong desire among residents to be involved in the restoration process. “The community is critical to this project,” Field emphasized during her presentation. Several residents suggested organizing seed ball workshops and involving local schools in the restoration effort. “We want to be a part of this and help restore the Preserve,” one resident said, reflecting the widespread community support for the project.

Field and the restoration team are committed to making the project a collaborative effort. “We’re planning events where people can come out, create seed balls, and be part of the restoration,” Field said. This level of community engagement will help ensure that the project is not only successful but also a source of pride for Oro Valley residents.

Council Addresses Challenge of "Rebuilding the Desert": The Plan (Part 2)

Council approves plan to restore  Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve  

Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council council unanimously (7-0) approved the a detailed plan for restoring the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Yesterday we discussed some of the challenges that thie rebuild is facing. Today, we discuss the plan, presented by consultant Rebecca Field, to begin the rebuilding.

Show some real progress
One of the main goals of the plan is to deliver tangible results early on, providing visible progress to keep momentum going and show the community that restoration is happening.

Rebecca Field, Consultant from Kimley-Horn, emphasized that the project needs to achieve quick wins in the initial phases: "We want to show some real progress early on, even if it’s just on the perimeter or in small sections." By focusing on more manageable areas first, the restoration team aims to demonstrate that the project is viable and that the Preserve is gradually returning to its natural state.
This approach also allows the team to manage expectations, given that desert ecosystems take decades to fully recover. By showing early progress, they can maintain community support and continue seeking funding and resources for the broader effort.

Click To Enlarge

Restore the preserve from the outside-in
Field explained the strategy of restoring the Preserve from the outside in, a method designed to maximize efficiency and create a natural flow of restoration from the edges of the site toward the interior.

"We’re starting with the perimeter, working inwards," Field explained, noting that this approach is necessary given the size of the site and the challenges posed by limited funding. By focusing on areas that are easiest to access and control, the restoration team can stabilize the landscape and prevent further degradation.

This phased strategy also aligns with the available budget. With the town investing $2 million per year in the project, and seeking additional grants, the outside-in approach allows for steady progress while staying within financial constraints. The ultimate goal is to gradually restore the entire 202-acre Preserve, but starting with the outer edges ensures that early efforts will be effective and sustainable.

Involve the community
A key element of the restoration plan is the inclusion of community involvement. Field was clear that this is not just a restoration project for experts but a collaborative effort with the local residents.

"The community is critical to this project," Field stated. She highlighted the importance of engaging residents through activities like "seed ball" workshops, where participants can help with reseeding efforts. "We’re planning events where people can come out, create seed balls, and be part of the restoration." By involving the community in hands-on efforts, the project will foster a sense of ownership and stewardship among residents, making the Preserve a source of pride for Oro Valley.

Move forward now
Field presented a plan that focuses on completing key work on the outer sections of the Vistoso Nature Preserve within the first year. The team expects measurable improvements in plant growth and community engagement efforts during this period. Specifically, the initial phase will focus on removing invasive species, including Bermuda grass, from targeted perimeter areas. This will be followed by replanting native vegetation, such as creosote and mesquite, chosen for their ability to outcompete invasives and restore the natural desert environment.

Tomorrow: Key Council and Resident Concerns