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The Conservation Fund statement regarding future involvement in purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course
“The Conservation Fund (Fund) is pleased to announce it has been invited to resume formal discussions and negotiations with the Town of Oro Valley and representatives from Romspen Vistoso, LLC, concerning the purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course. Yesterday, we met to discuss the proposed framework of a new agreement concerning the prospective purchase of the 202 +/- acres, currently zoned recreational/open space. A separate agreement between a private buyer and Romspen Vistoso, LLC will be executed concurrently for the remaining 6 +/- acres. Securing the 202 +/-acre property will be contingent upon reaching agreement based upon an updated appraisal establishing current fair market value under mutually acceptable terms and conditions. We expect the report to be prepared quickly and we will announce the actual purchase price once final agreement has been reached.
Under related discussion, it was also agreed the Fund will manage and lead all fundraising associated with any prospective purchase. The Fund will coordinate directly with all interested parties, including Preserve Vistoso and the many residents who have long supported this important effort. The Fund will also develop a concurrent Conservation Easement to ensure the property will be protected and managed for conservation and open space, in perpetuity, prior to transferring the land to the Town of Oro Valley for long-term ownership and management.
The Fund shares the collective passion to preserve this unique property and we will keep everyone advised as details continue to develop. We plan to make a more detailed announcement in the next 30 days, following completion of the updated appraisal. In the meantime, we want to thank everyone for your continued trust and confidence. Your support, financial generosity, and valuable input will be needed now more than ever as we work to create lasting results for everyone.
For any questions or concerns please contact Mike Ford, Nevada and Southwest Director at mford@conservationfund.org.”
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Jacobs’ statement regarding status of former Vistoso Golf land purchase
Town Manager Mary Jacobs provided the following update on the town’s purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course, at Wednesday’s Oro Valley Town Council meeting:
The town has achieved “...a framework for the purchase of the golf course subject to working with third parties including The Conservation Fund and a successful fundraising effort; and while I’m not at liberty to outline the specifics tonight, this framework is consistent with the town Council‘s November 18th motion to staff.”
Jacobs continued “...this purchase framework has been discussed with Romspen, The Conservation Fund and a third party purchaser for the 6.3 acres [of land currently zone for multi-family housing]; and all parties have agreed to work within the general framework toward a detailed final agreement. Mr. Rothchild and I are working diligently to bring this framework to fruition; and subject to agreements being finalized with Romspen, we hope to then share the details with the community and invite your participation in the near future.”
The town has achieved “...a framework for the purchase of the golf course subject to working with third parties including The Conservation Fund and a successful fundraising effort; and while I’m not at liberty to outline the specifics tonight, this framework is consistent with the town Council‘s November 18th motion to staff.”
Jacobs continued “...this purchase framework has been discussed with Romspen, The Conservation Fund and a third party purchaser for the 6.3 acres [of land currently zone for multi-family housing]; and all parties have agreed to work within the general framework toward a detailed final agreement. Mr. Rothchild and I are working diligently to bring this framework to fruition; and subject to agreements being finalized with Romspen, we hope to then share the details with the community and invite your participation in the near future.”
