Virtual Vistoso Golf Hearing Not Ready For Prime Time

Vistoso Golf Virtual Meeting Experiences Technical Flaws
Last night, not everyone who wanted to join could join the town hosted general plan amendment discussion of the proposed Vistoso Golf general plan amendment. It took multiple attempts to long into the Zoom.us meeting. An error message said that the meeting ID was invalid. It was not. Apparently, the meeting had a capacity of 240 attendees. Dialing in by phone also did not work. The number was either busy or a “not in service” message was heard. The virtual capacity and phone capacity to conduct such a large scale meeting was simply not there.

Alternative use of "senior living facility" area

The use of Zoom.us was also a challenge for both the town's host, Micheal Spaeth, and the participants. Muting and unmuting the participants was a challenge for allow. Displaying participant video simply did not occur for most speakers. Thus, if you spoke it is likely that you were not seen.

And, for some, the internet connection was simply either not sufficiently reliable or fast enough to allow for a seamless meeting.

Senior Living Facility on hold
We did learn that Romspen no longer has any company interested in building the proposed senior living facilities. Memphis based Spectra Properties has lost interest according to Peter Oelbaum, Romspen Managing Director. Romspen is now proceeding on "a more generic process." As a result, there is a second site plan which shows homes clustered on tiny lots, instead of a retirement home.

Town purchase not yet considered
According to Bayer Vella, Town of Oro Valley Planning Manager, the town has not considered purchasing the property or seeking grants to do such. The applicant's request and the potential alternate use are separate decisions. "That discussion is premature at this time", noting that the town is legally required to hear and consider the applicant's amendment request. The Phase 1 Parks and Recreation Need Assessment, released last week, did note the "Desire to preserve defunct the Rancho Vistoso golf course, at least in part, as an open space conservation area was consistently expressed through all community input opportunities." (Pages 7, 40 and 41)
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