---
Today is the last day for residents to opine online on a proposed general plan amendment that would convert the Vistoso Golf Course to high density residential use.
We thought we’d get our “two cents” in.
Oro Valley did not create Rancho Vistoso
To a great extent, Rancho Vistoso created Oro Valley, because it made the town much bigger, extending its northern boundaries from Tangerine to the mountains.
Rancho Vistoso existed before Oro Valley. It was then and is now a master planned community. It has its own codes. It has its own vision. It has many homeowner associations that watch over it.
Oro Valley was lucky to induce Rancho Vistoso to join the community. And Rancho Vistoso joined because of improved police presence. They did not join because of Oro Valley’s zoning codes and procedures.
What happens in Rancho Vistoso should be a Rancho Vistoso decision unless...
Given the history, it is clear that the decision on whether the Vistoso Golf property should become homes and a senior care facility should entirely be the decision of the residents of Rancho Vistoso. The rest of us don’t live there. We don’t share their wonderful view of the Catalinas. We don’t travel their roads.
But, indeed, we might share their vision.
Their vision is for the Vistoso Golf Course property to be an open space for the entire community to enjoy. It would be the only town run park in Rancho Vistoso. One that all of us could enjoy.
That vision, of course, is contrary to what course owner, Romspen, wants.
Vistoso Golf Course is Romspen's "Sugarplum"
What Romspen wants, their vision, is for the town to grant a general plan amendment that will certainly make Romspen,, the owner, rich. And that is what they are counting on.
They’ve counted on the town making them rich starting the day they bought the property.
“In 2015, Romspen Cub Holdings acquired a golf course in Tucson Arizona. Romspen Club Holdings is operating and preparing the property for future sale and the potential creation of development tracts of land within the property…” (Source: Page 39 of the 12/31/15 annual report to shareholders.) Romspen never planned to operate a golf course when they purchased the property in 2015. Indeed, they planned to either sell the land or develop it. Selling or developing it requires that the zoning and general plan land use be changed.
They are counting on the The Town of Oro Valley to make their dream come true. Buy the property at a price that is less valuable than the value of the land once it is rezoned for an entirely different use.
Sound familiar? It’s what land speculators do. It's been happening in Oro Valley forever.
Romspen expects you to make them rich. And they do it by asking you to rezone the property so that they can sell it to someone who will split it into little lots and build lots of residences.
Miles to go before we rest
While this amendment is being considered, the town is creating a parks and recreation master plan, one that may well designate the Vistoso Golf land as a preserve or a park, designations that fit current zoning. This would require the town to acquire the property in some fashion. Perhaps get grants. Perhaps find a wealthy individual who wants to leave a legacy for our community. Perhaps convincing Romspen to settle for a decent tax write-off.
Yep. Lots to consider when it comes to the Vistoso Golf Course.
