The Church of the Nazarene ("OVCN") is requesting a major rezoning of three large lots its owns that are adjacent to its location on the northeast corner of Calle Concordia and Buena Vista. This is the "original" section of Oro Valley. It's character is large lot, single family homes. OVCN is west of Canyon Del Oro High School.
The request has been "in limbo" since last year when it met with opposition from abutting neighbors. It is back.
Tonight is a neighborhood meeting in town council chambers. The meeting starts at 6pm. It is schedule to conclude at 7:30pm.
The project seeks to establish a "PAD" that replaces residential land with a Sports Complex
This rezoning request is a request to create a separate zoning Planned Area Development ("PAD"). This allows the total of 18.4 acres under consideration to have their own zoning code. Currently, the area in total is subject to three zoning codes: PS (Private Schools), PAD Church of the Latter Day Saints) and R-144 (Single Family-large lot).
Current zoning for ten acres of the land currently permits large residential lots. The current residential designation for that land is intended "...to promote and preserve suburban-rural single-family residential development. The large lot size permits agricultural uses and promotes open space."
The current zoning is consistent with the properties in the area.
Instead of several homes, OVCN wants to use this land for three buildings and an athletic field (see panel right). These are not worship/religious education activities. However, OVCN considers these athletic and cultural programs to be part of their outreach program. "The leadership to broaden their outreach vision to include significant investment in their popular youth sports programs."
This is a business endeavor: OVCN will partner with "Upward Sports"
"Partnering with Upward Sports, OVCN has been blessed with the opportunity to leverage the power of sports to achieve and increase the impact of their mission of spreading the gospel. Sports often remove barriers and thus can create wonderful environment for churches to build relationships and serve others."Upward Sports "non profit" organization is comprised of four entities. For example, they operate and promote their campus in Spatransburg SC. The founder is Gordan ("Caz") McCaslin, Upward Sports works with other companies to bring their managed facilities to reality. (Video)
Incompatible with the area and with the general plan
Residents in the area do not want this project approved. Retired airline pilot Tim Tarris lives on the corner near the property. According to Tim, people are "beside themselves" in fear of how this project will change the entire character of the area. They have may concerns.
Will increase traffic at a trouble intersection
Residents are concerned that the business will add traffic to the already busy, poorly designed intersection of Calle Concordia and Buena Vista. The traffic study that will be discussed tonight confirms the intersection redesign will be needed.
Brings noise to a peaceful neighborhood
They are concerned about the noise use of the new facilities will bring to the area. The noise study that will be present tonight confirms their concerns. However, the study states that the noise generated will be "within Oro Valley" noise standards. Oro Valley's noise codes in relation to commercial use were liberalized in 2020. ("Oro Valley Gets More Noise.. Less Unique")
Lights pollution
Lights at the athletic field will increase lighting in the area. This happens regardless of shields place on the lights. We have previously reported about neighbor complaints because of the IRHS field lights. These are shielded lights. The light they cast is visible to neighbors.
- - -
