Denise, a long-time resident of Oro Valley, shared her concerns about the significant growth and expansion of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene. She did so at the September 28 town hosted neighborhood meeting.
Living just two streets away from the church, she reflected on how the once small, neighborhood-oriented church has evolved into a much larger institution, creating ongoing challenges for her community. Denise expressed frustration with the continual discussions surrounding the church’s expansion and questioned whether the town is truly listening to the concerns of the neighborhood.
He is what Denise said
"My name is Denise. I live on Meadowbrook Place, which is just two streets south of the church. I was born and raised in the same house. I’ve been a long-term resident of Oro Valley, and I’ve seen a lot of changes.
I went to CDO, attended some of the school meets at the pool. And now you have the church. You could see the original little church that it was back in the 80s with a small little parking lot. That was a cute little neighborhood church, and it was approved as a cute little neighborhood church.
I find it odd that for years we’ve been talking about this church and how they want to expand and take up all this land in our residential neighborhood. And we’re still talking about how they want to develop this, change this, and get it approved within the permits.
But I’m really wondering if you’ve even seen the signs in the neighborhood. Is anybody listening to us? Because it’s quite clear that we don’t want it.
Now the existing sanctuary was small. That’s fine. But you’re going to something the size of CDO. It’s not a small neighborhood church anymore.
So my question is: the town of Oro Valley, council members, and you guys are supposed to represent us too. So we keep talking about this over and over again. And it just seems like, who are we talking to? We’re just talking to a wall."
"My name is Denise. I live on Meadowbrook Place, which is just two streets south of the church. I was born and raised in the same house. I’ve been a long-term resident of Oro Valley, and I’ve seen a lot of changes.
I find it odd that for years we’ve been talking about this church and how they want to expand and take up all this land in our residential neighborhood. And we’re still talking about how they want to develop this, change this, and get it approved within the permits.
But I’m really wondering if you’ve even seen the signs in the neighborhood. Is anybody listening to us? Because it’s quite clear that we don’t want it.
Now the existing sanctuary was small. That’s fine. But you’re going to something the size of CDO. It’s not a small neighborhood church anymore.
So my question is: the town of Oro Valley, council members, and you guys are supposed to represent us too. So we keep talking about this over and over again. And it just seems like, who are we talking to? We’re just talking to a wall."
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The next steps in the review process are critical
The next step for the OVCN project involves OVCN submitting detailed designs to the town for formal review. This includes a comprehensive traffic study and a drainage plan to ensure the development meets all town requirements. The staff will then review it and require changes to meet town code. Then, there will be another neighborhood meeting. There may be revisions that result from that meeting. After that, the project will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission. If, and only if, the Commission rejects the request, then OVCN has 20 days to appeal it to the town clerk, who will then schedule for council review at their next meeting. Note that, under current town code, those who oppose the project have no appeal right to the town council. (Source: Town Code section 22.9.c)
and eventually, we suspect, to the Town Council for final approval.
So, stay tuned for more.
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