In 2016, the residents of Oro Valley approved a general plan. There is a map that is part of the general plan (adapted below). This map shows the current boundaries of Oro Valley. It is within these boundaries that all of us are neighbors. And it is within these boundaries that the town must provide essential services, such as water and police protection. It is within these boundaries from which Oro Valley collects sales taxes, the primary source of town operating revenues.The map also shows an area that extends beyond the boundaries of the town. This area is unincorporated Pima County land. It is land which Oro Valley can attempt to annex to our community. The "State Lands Annexation and Rezoning" is one example of land that is not part of Oro Valley but is within it's planning boundary. The resort, Westward Look is another example. All the businesses on Oracle Rd, from Orange Grove north are also examples of properties included in the planning area.
The planning area is huge
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| Oro Valley Town Limit and Planning Area |
Mayor Hiremath's theory was that business will locate in Oro Valley if Oro Valley has more rooftops. Thus, the community saw many general plan amendments and zoning changes that did, indeed, enable more rooftops. As we will discuss Wednesday, there are many more rooftops to come.
A change in direction provides many options
The people of Oro Valley clearly stated in this past election that they don't like the rooftops strategy. They want Oro Valley to have a "small town feeling."
Why expand at all?
If Oro Valley no longer has a "rooftops strategy", then getting more buildable land through amendments or through annexation is no longer a sole reason for change.
What, therefore will the new council do regarding expansion of Oro Valley's boundaries?
The General Plan does not mandate expansion.
It's up to council.
So, the first question the council must answer: Why expand at all?
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