Town Staff Victorious in Council Passage Of EEZ Pre-Grading Approval

Unanimous blading approval

The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved "pre-grading" land located in the town's Economic Expansion Zones ("EEZ"). The resolution, proposed and sponsored by town staff, gives staff sole responsibility for approving the blading of property in EEZ. Now property can be graded in the hope that someone will want to build on a "shovel ready" site in Innovation Park and other EEZ areas.  

According to town Economic Development Director, JJ Johnston, a "shovel ready" site is a pre-requisite before site selectors will even consider an Oro Valley site.  The primary landowner of Innovation Park, Venture West, did not appear to discuss this resolution at any of the three council meetings at which it was discussed.

Credit Council Member Jones-Ivey

LOVE has expensively written about the path of this resolution to approval. The resolution was discussed by council three times. The resolution, as initially proposed, was almost dead in (July 27) when the council voted on it.

However, Council Member Jones-Ivey, the swing vote, decided to abstain from voting.  She said at that time that she was confused. Her confusion resulted in a deadlocked council vote. This kept the measure alive for further consideration. 

It also put Jones-Ivey in a lead position as it delayed further discussion until late August.

During this month, town staff worked Mayor Winfield and Jones-Ivey to craft the final resolution. We detailed these changes earlier this month. At last week's meeting, council approved two additional conditions: First, the property must be revegetated in five years if it remains unused. Second, the developer must demonstrate to staff that the site is a viable "shovel ready" location.

Council involvement eliminated... Resident input reduced

Council will have no involvement in the blading decision. Residents will be involved if town staff deems it necessary. Essentially, then, the staff is in charge.  This, we suspect, makes Oro Valley look much like many other communities making Oro Valley neither unique nor special.

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