As of last Thursday, residents filed more than 400 comments on the Romspen general plan amendment. The amendment is to convert the Vistoso Golf Course property to residential use. The course is currently zoned for recreational use. It is designated as such in the 2016 Oro Valley General Plan.
Why, they ask, did the town choose to move this forward?
Most of the respondents questioned the legitimacy of the online process of information sharing. The town's code requires that there be one public hearing before an amendment is formally filed. That filing must take place by April 30. The public hearing has always been in-person. That cannot happen now because of social distancing required by the state Covid-19 emergency declaration.
Senior care facility, buffer zones, loss of desert key issues
There were a few comments regarding the proposal itself. Some do not feel that a proposed senior care facility is appropriate to the area. Others identified inadequate buffer zones. Still others mourned loss of quality of life brought about by loss of open space and increased traffic. Some extolled the possibility of using the land as a walking park, one that is especially senior resident friendly.
Preserve Vistoso: Amendment simply does not meet criteria
The group PreserveVistoso.org believes that the proposed amendment does not meet the criteria for council approval. The criteria are: Compatibility to the neighborhood; impact on views; appropriate transitions; and traffic considerations. This will be a judgment that the town council will have to make.
Deadline of April 23 to opine
Residents have until April 23 to opine on this general plan amendment. Do this by submitting an email to ask@orovalleyaz.gov, or by calling Oro Valley Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at 520-229-4711.
