David v Goliath
A most important public hearing is being held next Tuesday, December 6, by the Planning and Zoning Commission. It is a hearing on whether the character of the original section of Oro Valley will be completely blown up in favor of a church's desire to impose their will on that community. The hearing starts at 6pm in town council chambers. You can read all about the history here. You can visit the town's project page here.
Residents are united in their opposition... Committed to preserving the community
The residents in the area are united. They do not want the facility built in their backyard. There is no compromise. They have formed the Concordia/Buena Vista Group.
You may not live in the area of Buena Vista and Concordia. So we've embedded a video [panel right] that the Group created to show you what we are talking about.
Some of you may not even care.
After all, this is not your backyard into which the field lights will shine... or the noise will blare. This is not your street onto which the traffic will pour... or the cars will park...
But it is your town. And these are your neighbors. So, maybe you ought to get involved.
Church is resolute in its plan
The position of the applicant, the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene, is that these hearings are a formality. They believe that they are legally entitled to do whatever they wish with the property because it furthers their religious objective. Their plan: To partner with a "non profit" sports business to both build and to operate the facility.
The Commission will hold an executive session prior to the hearing “…to obtain legal advice regarding the Oro Valley Church of The Nazarene rezoning application.”
Town staff wants compromise
The Town Planning and Zoning staff has been facilitating the meetings. As we have reported, however, staff has encouraged the residents to seek a compromise. Residents have rejected this. Instead they proposed a number of alternatives. For example, OVCN could build the facility elsewhere. The residents could buy the property. The land could be used to further religious purpose by becoming a nature preserve or, perhaps, a farm.
Planning and Zoning Commission hearing is yet another step in a long process
Next week's hearing is just another step in the process. The matter will be considered by the Oro Valley Town Council at yet another public hearing at a date to be determined.
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