Friday, November 15, 2024

Bits and Pieces

Arizona Heroes Memorial dedication is tomorrow
The Arizona Heroes Memorial will officially open on tomorrow, marking a major milestone in honoring veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers. The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 11am. This initiative began with resident Dick Eggerding, a dedicated Oro Valley volunteer who envisioned the memorial in 2015. Supported by community leaders and volunteers, the project secured 2.58 acres at Naranja Park, with initial fundraising efforts in 2017 bolstered by key sponsors. Despite challenges, including delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project gained renewed momentum with new leadership and strong partnerships. The groundbreaking took place in February 2023, with over 300 attendees. The Memorial now stands as a testament to community spirit, resilience, and gratitude, inviting ongoing support and pledges to honor loved ones and maintain this symbol of sacrifice.

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf need your help
FOPRG is focusing on two initiatives this year: water use advocacy and adaptive golf. This supports their mission to “connect the community through the game of golf.” The water advocacy effort includes gathering data and reaching out to homeowners to encourage conservation. The adaptive golf program targets individuals with physical challenges, inspired by a special golf cart shown at a recent event. Significant fundraising will be needed to support this due to the high cost of the equipment. Click this link if you would like to help: (Source: FOPRG media release)

BizTUCSON features Oro Valley’s growth and thriving economic future

BizTUCSON, a quarterly business magazine showcasing Southern Arizona’s economic landscape, recently featured Oro Valley in its summer edition, written by freelance writer and former Chamber of Commerce President Dave Perry. The articles highlighted Oro Valley’s 50 years of growth from a small bedroom community to a thriving economic center. With a commitment to public safety, quality education, and ample community amenities, the town has attracted major employers like Roche Tissue Diagnostics and Simpleview, as well as a dynamic range of small businesses. The Oro Valley Marketplace is set to transform into the “Oro Valley Village Center,” adding new hotels, apartments, and retail spaces to further enhance local commerce. The town’s proactive leadership continues to create an inviting business environment, solidifying Oro Valley as an ideal place to live, work, and grow. (Source)

Oro Valley secures grant for historic house assessment
The Town of Oro Valley has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Arizona State Parks’ Historic Preservation Heritage Fund for a Historic Building Condition Assessment (HBCA) of the Proctor-Leiber House at Steam Pump Ranch. The HBCA will document the current state of the 1930s house, aiding future conservation and restoration plans. The assessment’s total cost is $50,000, with the town contributing $20,000 from its Grants Fund. This is the final structure at Steam Pump Ranch awaiting such an evaluation, essential for its potential future use. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Council approves Starbucks drive-thru at Tangerine and Innovation Park Drive
Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council discussed two key items related to a proposed office and restaurant development, including a drive-thru coffee shop near Tangerine Road and Innovation Park Drive. The council considered a text amendment to allow access to the coffee shop from Tangerine Road and a conditional use permit for the drive-thru. The property, part of the 1987 Rancho Vistoso PAD, was rezoned in 2008 for commercial use and later included in the Economic Expansion Zone (EEZ). After analysis, including traffic and noise studies, the council approved both items unanimously, affirming compliance with zoning codes and the town’s general plan.