The owners of the Silverhawk development are seeking a general plan amendment to add residential land to the development. The land, known as “Silverhawke Block 5”, abuts the northern boundary of the Silverhawke planned development, extending to Tangerine Road. It is 24 acres.
The land is currently planned for commercial property. The owner wants to change it to multi-family residential.
Applicant: Town needs more senior care facilities
Paul Oland, representing the owner, stated that the property does no lend itself to commercial use, according to his town posted informational video on the project. He also stated that Oro Valley needs more senior care facilities. He offered no study, no substantiated justification for either assertion. Other possible uses would be to build a rental casita community, a gated apartment community, or perhaps some combination of these.
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| Location of Silverawke Block 5 |
Another of Oland's justifications for the change is that it will add "rooftops" to help Oro Valley's "struggling retailers." This is the same justification that former mayor Satish Hiremath used to justify past general plan amendments.
It’s taken 10 years, but landowner Kai got it done through politics
LOVE has chronicled the history of the Silverhawke area. In 2008, the landowner, Herb Kai, proposed an amendment that was withdrawn in June of that year based on significant resident objection.
Kai waited for a new council. In 2015, the council unanimously approved rezoning what is now the Silverhawke property from low density to medium density residential. They approved
211 detached single-family lots ranging in size from 5,520 sq. ft. to 7,200 sq. ft, with some commercial. Now the landowner wants to change some of that commercial land.
Voice your opinion
Today, you can see the result as you drive on First Avenue. The rooftops are almost on top of the road. The homeowners have a great view of the traffic on First Avenue. It's just another "on top of your neighbor" development. It's nothing special for our special town.
Let the town know how you feel about this proposed general plan amendment. You can do this through by submitting an email to ask@orovalleyaz.gov or by calling Oro Valley Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at 520-229-4711. You have until April 23rd to do so.
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