Guest View-David Rishor: The "Oro Valley Motor Speedway"

Previously we wrote about the very unsafe Buena Vista & Concordia intersection. With 30 accidents in the last 10 years and increasing traffic from CDO High School and an upcoming OVCN expansion, this intersection poses unique challenges. 

What we did not relate at that time were some other serious traffic issues caused by this hard to navigate intersection. Resident David Rishor told us about some collateral damage caused by that mess.

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"What was missing from discussions about traffic issues [at Concordia and Buena Vista] is the Overlook Drive shortcut—or as we neighbors call it, the Oro Valley Motor Speedway.

This route is often overlooked.. but not by the traffic heading to or from the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene and CDO High School. Why? It’s simple. We all know about the congestion and dangerous conditions at W. Calle Concordia and N. Buena Vista. Since this intersection is a nightmare, what do drivers do? They cut south on Overlook Drive, turn west on Spring Valley Drive, and then jump onto southbound Buena Vista—TA-DA! An easy, breezy way to bypass the congestion.

And bypass it they do! Day after day, weekend after weekend, we witness cars flying through this 25 mph residential area at criminal-level speeds. It’s terrifying. You should see it—OMG! Why isn’t Oro Valley P.D. taking advantage of this? They’re never around. Why not?

The solution? Simple.

Speed humps. Not speed bumps that force drivers to crawl at 5 mph, but properly designed humps that are smooth at 25 mph yet unforgiving to speeders. Go too fast? BAM—you’ll feel it!

Something must be done. This issue is serious, and it needs to stay part of the traffic conversation!"

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David...we definitely agree.

Traffic Safety Concerns at the Buena Vista and Concordia Intersection

Traffic control challenges ahead
The intersection of Buena Vista and Concordia presents unique traffic safety challenges. The current traffic control setup includes stop signs only on the north-south road, Buena Vista, while the east-west road, Concordia, has no traffic control measures. This disparity can create confusion among drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the intersection, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Data from 2014 to 2024 shows a total of 30 accidents at this intersection.

High School traffic causes many incidents
One of the significant factors contributing to traffic congestion at this intersection is the presence of CDO High School. During weekdays, traffic volumes peak in the mornings and early afternoons as students, parents, and staff commute to and from the school. In fact, 60% of recorded accidents in the past ten years occurred during school hours and days, highlighting the impact of increased traffic during these periods. The increased volume of vehicles, combined with the absence of a traffic signal, can lead to congestion and higher chances of collisions.

Intersection layout complicates safe crossing
Another challenge stems from the unique layout of the intersection [panel right]. Drivers crossing from one section of Buena Vista to the other cannot proceed in a straight line; they must first turn left and then right to continue across. This complex maneuver introduces additional opportunities for driver error, potentially contributing to the high number of angle (front-to-side) collisions reported at this location. Of the total collisions recorded, 70% were angle collisions, further demonstrating the difficulties posed by the intersection's layout.

Most common accident cause is "Failure To Yield"
Accident data indicates that the most common cause of collisions at this intersection is "Failure to Yield Right of Way." This issue is particularly prevalent among vehicles traveling north or south on Buena Vista, which are required to stop at the intersection. In contrast, east-west traffic on Concordia, which does not have to stop, often proceeds at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Of the accidents caused by failure to yield, 81% involved north or southbound traffic.

Speeding and driver misjudgment also play a role
Speeding and misjudgments are additional contributing factors. Several accidents have been attributed to drivers traveling too fast for conditions, particularly during peak hours. The absence of dedicated turning lanes or clear signage further complicates navigation, making it crucial for drivers to remain vigilant.

Better traffic control needed now...

To improve safety at this intersection, potential solutions could include enhanced signage, additional traffic control measures such as flashing lights, or even a reconfiguration of the crossing pattern to allow for smoother transitions between Buena Vista's sections. Increased enforcement during high-traffic times may also help mitigate risks and promote safer driving behaviors. 

 ...Needed even more if OVCN expands

While 30 accidents over ten years might not be considered excessively high, it does suggest room for improvement in traffic safety. The unique intersection layout, school-related traffic, and the significant increase in Sunday morning and Wednesday night traffic as a result of the pending massive expansion of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene contribute to these incidents and could potentially add to future risks. Measures such as improved signage, traffic calming, or re-evaluating intersection control seem like viable actions the town should take to enhance safety and reduce accident occurrences.

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Statistics for the article were from accident data provided by the Town of Oro Valley.

A Proposed "Sports Complex" Would Change The "Original" Oro Valley

A project of "huge impact" will be vetted tonight

The Church of the Nazarene ("OVCN") is requesting a major rezoning of three large lots its owns that are adjacent to its location on the northeast corner of Calle Concordia and Buena Vista. This is the "original" section of Oro Valley. It's character is large lot, single family homes.  OVCN is west of Canyon Del Oro High School.

The request has been "in limbo" since last year when it met with opposition from abutting neighbors. It is back.

Tonight is a neighborhood meeting in town council chambers. The meeting starts at 6pm. It is schedule to conclude at 7:30pm.

The project seeks to establish a "PAD" that replaces residential land with a Sports Complex

This rezoning request is a request to create a separate zoning Planned Area Development ("PAD"). This allows the total of 18.4 acres under consideration to have their own zoning code. Currently, the area in total is subject to three zoning codes: PS (Private Schools), PAD Church of the Latter Day Saints) and R-144 (Single Family-large lot). 

Project would replace large lot, low density homes with non worship/religious education athletic and cultural uses

Current zoning for ten acres of the land currently permits large residential lots. The current residential designation for that land is intended "...to promote and preserve suburban-rural single-family residential development. The large lot size permits agricultural uses and promotes open space." 

The current zoning is consistent with the properties in the area.

Instead of several homes, OVCN wants to use this land for three buildings and an athletic field (see panel right). These are not worship/religious education activities. However, OVCN considers these athletic and cultural programs to be part of their outreach program. "The leadership to broaden their outreach vision to include significant investment in their popular youth sports programs."

This is a business endeavor: OVCN will partner with "Upward Sports" 

"Partnering with Upward Sports, OVCN has been blessed with the opportunity to leverage the power of sports to achieve and increase the impact of their mission of spreading the gospel. Sports often remove barriers and thus can create wonderful environment for churches to build relationships and serve others."

Upward Sports "non profit" organization is comprised of four entities. For example, they operate and promote their campus in Spatransburg SC. The founder is Gordan ("Caz") McCaslin, Upward Sports works with other companies to bring their managed facilities to reality. (Video)

Residents do not want this project approved

Incompatible with the area and with the general plan

Residents in the area do not want this project approved. Retired airline pilot Tim Tarris lives on the corner near the property. According to Tim, people are "beside themselves" in fear of how this project will change the entire character of the area. They have may concerns.

Will increase traffic at a trouble intersection

Residents are concerned that the business will add traffic to the already busy, poorly designed intersection of Calle Concordia and Buena Vista. The traffic study that will be discussed tonight confirms the intersection redesign will be needed. 

Brings noise to a peaceful neighborhood

They are concerned about the noise use of the new facilities will bring to the area. The noise study that will be present tonight confirms their concerns. However, the study states that the noise generated will be "within Oro Valley" noise standards. Oro Valley's noise codes in relation to commercial use were liberalized in 2020. ("Oro Valley Gets More Noise.. Less Unique")

Lights pollution

Lights at the athletic field  will increase lighting in the area. This happens regardless of shields place on the lights. We have previously reported about neighbor complaints because of the IRHS field lights. These are shielded lights. The light they cast is visible to neighbors.

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