Major renovation of town vehicle fuel station
This year’s capital budget includes a significant $450,000 renovation for the fuel station located at 680 West Calle Concordia, home to the public works facilities. According to town staff, the renovation is essential to modernize aging infrastructure that supports over 17,000 fuel transactions annually. The project aims to increase fuel storage capacity, replace severely rusted fuel tanks, and enhance efficiency by enabling more than one vehicle to refuel simultaneously.
Impacts local residents
Despite the scale of this project, Oro Valley Town staff decided not to involve local residents in any discussions. This decision has raised concerns, especially since the town typically holds an annual meeting to review any significant changes or issues within the community. In a recent conversation with Town staff, resident Ed Clary inquired if there were any major topics to discuss this year. Town officials responded with a resounding "no," a statement that now seems misleading given the planned renovation.
Clary pointed out that since 2019, residents have regularly met with the Town to discuss concerns and future plans. These meetings were established to ensure transparent communication and allow time for any necessary adjustments within the town’s budgetary cycle. This year, residents suggested skipping the meeting, trusting there were no pressing matters. Town staff agreed, claiming no significant items were on the agenda. However, it’s clear that the renovation of the fuel station was not considered important enough to warrant discussion with the community.
Known to residents only after the fact
Upon discovering the renovation plans, Clary requested detailed information from the staff and was provided with a 42-page schematic of the project. Unfazed, he reviewed the plans and uncovered several key details: the construction of a new second entrance to the facility off Calle El Milagro, a residential street, the removal of screening vegetation on the west side to accommodate this entrance, and the construction of drainage culverts. Clary expressed concern over these changes, particularly given the area’s existing drainage issues. The size, scope, and impact of the project were far greater than residents had anticipated.
A difference in opinion or a communication breakdown?
Town staff may have viewed these changes as modest, not warranting a discussion with residents. However, Clary and other residents feel differently. “Honestly, we're perplexed that word came back that there were no issues to discuss because, in the opinion of residents, it both could and should have been discussed in our regular meeting much earlier in the process,” Clary stated during the council meeting.
Next Steps: Mayor Intervenes
In response to the concerns raised, Mayor Winfield instructed town officials to hold a meeting with the residents of 680 West Calle Concordia to discuss the project. This step is a crucial move towards restoring trust and ensuring that future projects involve the community from the outset. The hope is that this meeting will address the residents' concerns and lead to a more transparent planning process moving forward.
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