Last night, the Oro Valley Town Council conducted the public hearing on the EEZ "fast track" approval process for construction projects for Innovation Park.
The concern that had been voiced by residents regarding this process as originally proposed was that there would be no public input. Recognizing this "issue" David Williams, Planning Division Manager, presented the public information program that would be added to this process. It would include the following:
The concern that had been voiced by residents regarding this process as originally proposed was that there would be no public input. Recognizing this "issue" David Williams, Planning Division Manager, presented the public information program that would be added to this process. It would include the following:
- Intereactive web site for the public to use to learn of the project
- A submittal tracker tool to help people follow the process
- Direct reporting of the process to the council
- Notifications to the Vistoso Community Association and the HOA list
- Open house to discuss the project at some point during the review process
Council Member Hornat observed that there will be no significant public input. The proposed open house meeting will not seek input from the public. He believes that a meeting will have no value to the citizens. He also does not want the "interference" that might occur if citizens are involved in what, in his mind, are projects that meet all town requirements.
Council Member Snider noted that the public will not be cut out since the property is already zoned for what the public approved. Therefore, in her mind, no further public input is needed.
Mayor Hiremath's view was this is "basic marketing 101". He sees it as "no big deal." He figures that we are "giving something for nothing". To him, then, fast track is a marketing gimmick that has no substance. (Even if you believe this, why would you say this, Mr. Mayor?)
Council Member Zinkin believed that an open house meeting is needed even though the project, by being part of the process, will meet code. It is important, he noted, that the citizens be part of the process. Council Members Burns and Garner agreed.
Resident Shirl Lamona, speaking during the public hearing portion of the discussion spoke on the lack of community involvement as initially proposed for fast track: "Please consider where Community input fits with the new Oro Valley tagline: Is it in our nature to stifle pesky town residents or is it in our nature to value community participation?"
In the final vote, all Council Members agreed. The process was approved and it does include the public information program outlined by Mr. Williams.
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Mayor Hiremath's view was this is "basic marketing 101". He sees it as "no big deal." He figures that we are "giving something for nothing". To him, then, fast track is a marketing gimmick that has no substance. (Even if you believe this, why would you say this, Mr. Mayor?)
Council Member Zinkin believed that an open house meeting is needed even though the project, by being part of the process, will meet code. It is important, he noted, that the citizens be part of the process. Council Members Burns and Garner agreed.
Resident Shirl Lamona, speaking during the public hearing portion of the discussion spoke on the lack of community involvement as initially proposed for fast track: "Please consider where Community input fits with the new Oro Valley tagline: Is it in our nature to stifle pesky town residents or is it in our nature to value community participation?"
In the final vote, all Council Members agreed. The process was approved and it does include the public information program outlined by Mr. Williams.
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1 comment:
I appreciate that Town Staff recognized the value of Community participation & developed a plan that allows us to share thoughts & work together for the betterment of our Town. I hope that line of thinking prevails for the General Plan rewrite.
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