Lots of dissent
Based on our review of neighborhood correspondence to the town regarding this annexation, residents who live in Westward Look Heights are not happy with the prospect of becoming part of Oro Valley. They don’t want to be annexed. They say that the Westward Look resort and the Town of Oro Valley are the ones that benefit from the annexation; and that annexation and subsequent development will happen at Westward Look Heights resident expense.
Resident concerns focus on five areas
:
- An anticipated decrease in home value because of proposed commercial development of a parcel adjacent to Ina Road
- The height of buildings that may be built on that parcel and in the renovation of the resort
- A negative impact on wildlife in the area that development will have. There is a lot that could be lost, as seen here.
- The possible violation of a 100 year agreement that Westward Look Resort signed in 1972. This is an agreement that requires the area to be preserved. It is being enforced by Pima County.
- Increased traffic congestion at the intersection of Westward Look Drive and Ina Road that will result from the construction of commercial property on a parcel that is currently zoned by the county for single family residential.
Westward Look Heights residents overlook some other disadvantages
These residents are not yet part of Oro Valley so we suspect that they do not realize that their cost of living will increase by merely becoming part of our town, as we have previously reported. They will pay an Oro Valley sales taxe on everything they purchase. This 2.6% rate is in addition to the county sales tax rate they currently pay. The will see an increase in their water bill because Oro Valley charges a utility tax of 4% plus other taxes and fees. Generally, these fees double the water bill. We believe that they will become part of the GRFD Taxing district. They are currently served by Rural Metro at a much decreased cost.
There at two major benefits
The only benefits we can identify to Westward Look Heights residents are:
Police protection from the Oro Valley police department and better road maintenance than the county road maintenance.
Annexations are negotiations
Annexations are negotiations
Discussion only really beginning. Residents adjacent to Tohono Chul negotiated and got paved roads. Residents of Rancho Vistoso got a police substation. On the other hand, the attempted annexation of the Foothills Mall failed because there really was nothing for the town to negotiate.
Tonight, all residents have the opportunity to have their voices heard. Here’s the link to do so.
Tonight, all residents have the opportunity to have their voices heard. Here’s the link to do so.
