---
My name is Tim Tarris and I am a resident of Oro Valley. I live directly across the street to the west from the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene [OVCN].
I would like to make reference to some of the activities that take place in our neighborhood. Please keep in mind that the word of the day is “shenanigans.”
Merriam-Webster defines shenanigans as: 1. A devious trick used especially for an underhanded purpose; 2. A tricky or questionable practice or conduct usually used in plural and/or high-spirited or mischievous activity.
The church’s new plan – Bypass the neighbors and the Town Council
The church, taking advantage of our vaguely worded town codes, has now changed course to try and continue their expansion. Their new plan would bypass the 14 neighbors who signed and submitted their objections in order to have the new application approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission (appointed officials) and bypass the Town Council (elected officials).
Fear of heights
We have been told they wish to build a new sanctuary (with basketball courts included) that will seat 1500 people. They will most likely be asking for a height variance of up to 45 feet. This begs the question -- “Is it a 25-foot building with a 20-foot cross on top or a 44-foot building with a 1-foot cross on top?”
Fifteen hundred more people, at two people per car, equals 750 more cars than now. At three people per car, it equals 500 more cars than now, per event. That level of activity in a residential neighborhood kind of boggles the mind.
They are also discussing making the former Tellez property into parking for 350 cars. My 9th grade math teacher, Mrs. Stevens, would say, “Go back and figure it out again.”
The sheer volume of things
On Saturday, March 30th, they held their annual Easter Egg hunt. Many people attended for several hours. Of note was over 50 cars that were parked in the right-of-way along Calle Buena Vista, off and on during the event, even though the church professes to have “enough parking.” Of course, if you use all of Pima County for your organization’s parking, you will have enough.
Additionally, while working in my concrete block and insulated garage (located 500 feet from the music source used during the event), I was able to "enjoy" the entire event due to the volume.
Does anybody see what’s going on here?
---
