Romspen received $4.25 million for the former Vistoso Golf Course

The beginning of a 202 acre preserve

Friday’s announcement by The Conservation Fund that they purchased the former Vistoso Golf course was fantastic news for the community. It marked the end of a long and difficult negotiation with the property owner. More importantly, however, it marks the beginning of a 202 acre nature preserve for everyone in the community to enjoy.

We plan to tell the story of how this all came about. It is indeed a very complicated story.

Today, we start our story with the result: The settlement agreement that was signed for the purchase of the property.

Resulted from a deal that required a “settlement agreement”
“A settlement agreement is a legal contract that resolves the disputes among all parties by coming to an agreement. It is a legal document where all parties in a court case, in civil law, agree to an outcome of any judgment being made in advance.” (https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/what-is-a-settlement-agreement.html). When it comes to the Vistoso Golf Course, there are many issues that needed to be resolved. The most important of which was what development was going to be allowed on the property. There is after all a 6+ acre parcel that is already zoned for apartments. Then there is the 202 acre golf course including a clubhouse that could have been potentially used for a variety of purposes. The settlement agreement states exactly how all of this was resolved.

The deal has six key elements

• 202 acres will be a permanent nature preserve.That is the golf courses.
• 6+ acres, the clubhouse area, will house proximally 132 apartments
• The apartments will be no higher than two stories. The property is zoned for up to a three-story apartment building.
• A small portion, roughly 1 acre, adjacent to the the 6+ acres will be available for use for parking for the apartments.
• No county recapture of property taxes will be incurred by any party as a result of the sale.
  
• Romspen will receive funds as detailed in the panel at right

There are four participants in the deal
Romspen (Vistoso) LLC

Romspen LLC is the owner of the property. They purchased it in 2012 in a bankruptcy proceeding. They operated the golf course until 2016. They shut it down and proceeded to spend the next five years concocting various ways to parse the property for development. They received $4.25 million for their effort.
Ross Rulney

Ross Rulney is a Tucson based developer. He developed "El Corredor" which is located at Oracle and Linda Vista. It is a mixed-use development. Rulney took over that property from a company that was trying to build a motel there. They went out of business.  Rulney is going to build the apartments.. He paid $1.75 million to buy the property. 

The Conservation Fund 

The Conservation Fund ("TCF") is the entity that now owns a golf course. They will be donating it to the town once they find a conservator to manage the settlement agreement such that nothing other than a natural preserve will ever exist on the property. Through the efforts of the residents, TCF raised donations sufficient to pay Romspen $1.615 million. That was the appraised value of the land.

Town of Oro Valley

The town of Oro Valley is the fourth participant in the transaction. The town agreed to pay $885,000 to settle all remaining “disagreements.”  This resolved a "legal dispute."

- - - 
Want to learn more? Read the Settlement Agreement here.

Vistoso Golf Purchase Delayed

The following is a press release from the the Town of Oro Valley that was released Friday. The text is the town's. The headings are ours.

- - -
A five party agreement

In December 2021, the Town of Oro Valley agreed to a joint transaction with Romspen Vistoso LLC, The Conservation Fund and developer Ross Rulney that is intended to result in the preservation of 202 acres of the former Vistoso Golf Course as open space and passive recreation in perpetuity. In addition to the 202 acres, the former golf course also includes a 6.3 acre parcel formerly used for clubhouse operations. As a condition of the sale, the agreement requires that both the 202 acre and 6.3 acre parcels be sold simultaneously.

Procedural issues to be resolved

The initial closing date was December 31, 2021 but was extended to January 21, 2022 due to the parties waiting on documentation from the Pima County Assessor that verifies the future use of the 202 acres will not be subject to a tax recapture issue as specified in state law. Pima County officials are actively working on this matter with completion expected in the near future.

Mr. Rulney has agreed to purchase the 6.3 acre parcel for a future multi-family residential development; however, through the due diligence process, an issue has arisen that must be resolved in order for Mr. Rulney to finalize the purchase.

A solution to this issue has been identified, but it requires the Vistoso Community Association (VCA) Board of Directors to consider a variance to a legal classification designation of “Commercial” within the 1996 land tract declarations (related to private CC&R’s) for the 6.3 acre clubhouse parcel to a classification that is consistent with current Town zoning. A variance request has been made by Mr. Rulney to the VCA Board, and the Town supports this request.

Anticipated closing moved to mid February

Due to these outstanding issues, the parties have agreed to an additional extension to February 16, 2022, pending satisfactory outcomes. The terms of the agreement preclude the Town of Oro Valley from providing additional information at this time. The Town and the other parties in this transaction appreciate the patience of our residents as we work cooperatively to bring this purchase to fruition.

- - -

Source

Vistoso Golf Course Property Fund Raising Goal Achieved

Purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course

It is my pleasure to announce we have reached our fundraising goal! This monumental milestone will now allow us to acquire and protect the former Vistoso Golf Course property. The key to the fundraising success was attributable to the financial support and generosity from the entire community. In approximately 5 weeks, over 400 individuals contributed towards our goal and the overwhelming support is testimony to the importance of this effort.

Thank you, residents, and friends of Oro Valley!

So, what happens now?

Over the next 30-days we will complete our remaining due diligence in furtherance of closing on or before December 30th. We do not anticipate any issues of substantive challenge and we will make a formal announcement when we officially close and record.

We will also be processing all current donations and pledges, including converting gifts of stock and other securities to cash, directing the collective proceeds to an escrow account. Those that have donated will receive formal acknowledgement from The Conservation Fund for tax purposes associated with your specific contribution. 

Upon closing, the property will be protected in perpetuity. The Conservation Fund will become the interim owner and we will continue working with the Town of Oro Valley towards the eventual donation and transfer for long-term management and ownership -- subject to a conservation easement.

Please accept our sincere thanks for your collective trust and confidence. Your financial generosity, and the valuable input we have received throughout the process, will enable us to create a legacy for everyone.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mike Ford

Nevada and Southwest Director

The Conservation Fund

- - -
(Source: Press Release, November 23, 2021, The Conservation Fund)

Community Contributions to Purchase the Vistoso Nature Preserve Top One Million Dollars

The following is press release from the group Preserve Vistoso.

- - -

Oro Valley, AZ, Nov. 8, 2021 -- Preserve Vistoso (501c3) announced today it topped one million dollars of contributions to The Conservation Fund (TCF) to purchase the 202 acres of the Vistoso property in northern Oro Valley as a nature preserve. The fundraising campaign started on October 12 and the community based organization has until December 15 to reach its goal of $1.8 million in contributions.

Preserve Vistoso with its 1,900 members has been committed to saving the property since the Vistoso Golf course closed in late 2018. Since TCF reached an agreement with the property owner to purchase the property by year end, donors have been eager to contribute to save the property as a nature preserve. “Our community’s support to save a large parcel of Sonoran Desert in northern Oro Valley has been incredible,” said Gayle Mateer, “We are more than half way to reach our goal of $1.8 million, but we need support of the community and those who value saving part of the Sonoran desert as open space.”

If the fund raising goal is reached, TCF will acquire the property and place the nature preserve in a conservation easement in perpetuity that will be monitored by a Land Trust. That means the nature preserve will always be preserved as a Sonoran Desert. TCF is expected to donate the property to the Town of Oro Valley.

TCF is a nationally recognized conservation nonprofit501(c)( 3) organization creating solutions that make environmental and economic sense, redefining conservation to emphasize its essential role in the country’s future prosperity.

“A conservation easement ensures that the property must remain as a nature preserve in perpetuity,” Mateer said. “The property was a desert golf course and the desert is reclaiming the property. With six miles of paved paths, it is a perfect spot for anyone in our community to enjoy a walk or bike ride and enjoy the Sonoran desert.

Tom Weiskopf designed and opened the Vistoso Golf Course in 1995 with more than 70 percent of the property retained as Sonoran desert habitat. It has spectacular mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, more than six miles of paved trails, three restrooms and trail underpasses for major roads. The area was once home to a Native American village called Sleeping Snake, as evidenced by the petroglyphs that can be found on the property.

More information is available at preservevistoso.org
--- 

Source: The group Preserve Vistoso Press Release

Vistoso Preserve $1.8 Million Fundraising Target Reaches Million Dollar Mark

"This deal is going to get done"

Mike Ford of The Conservation Fund (“TCF”) updated residents on the status of TCF’s purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course. “This deal is going to get done.” Ford noted at a Zoom meeting hosted by the group Preserve Vistoso on November 5.

$1 Million raised to date for the purchase of the 202 acres

Ford said that $1 million had been raised to date to fund the purchase. The goal is to raise $1.8 million by the end of the year. Ford believes that the purchase of the land from Rompsen LLC will be completed at that time. TCF will create a conservation easement on the property. 

TCG will employ a third party to that the conservation easement is maintained  in perpetuity. TCF will then donate the land to the Town of Oro Valley where the land will become part of the town’s Parks and Recreation system.

Been a "long road" to get to this point

Ford detailed the path that has been taken to make this purchase a reality. Initially, Rompsen LLC, the property owner, rejected a fair market value offer made by TCF in summer of 2020. That discussion included six acres of land that is zoned for high density residential use.

Negotiations were restarted by the town last spring at the urging of Rancho Vistoso Residents.  Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett, Town Manager Jacobs and town outside council Jonathan Rothchild led this

Unlike the  discussion, this discussion separated the six acres of land that is now zoned for his density residential use. The group negotiated on the remaining 202 acres. The fair market value for that property, as agreed to by Rompsen, is a bit less than the $1.8 million being raised. 

Ford stated that the six acres will be sold to a third party by Romspen. That party will develop the land consistent with current HDR zoning.

What Ford did not mention is that the town is a party to the agreement. The details of the town's commitment have yet to be revealed to the public.  

Your help needed
This will be a preserve for all to use, not just those in Rancho Vistoso.  You can help to make it so by donating to TCF. Click here to learn how to do so

- - -

The Conservation Fund: Preserving Open Space Is Par For The Course In Oro Valley

Par for the course 

Mike Ford of The Conservation Fund has penned a lovely article on the saga of preserving the former Vistoso Golf Course as a nature preserve in perpetuity. In it, Ford extols the beauty of the former course. He notes that it is looking especially beautiful after our unusual monsoon season.

Thanks to those who helped

Ford  acknowledges the hard work of Oro Valley Resident Rosa Dailey. “I was first contacted by local leader Rosa Dailey in April 2020, who told me about the property and the groundswell of community support to see this open space preserved and not developed." Dailey had been working on finding a solution long before that. 

Ford also acknowledges the support of the group Preserve Vistoso as well as the support of Takebackov and LOVE.  And, the support of Mayor Winfield and Vice Mayor Barrett. 

The journey continues: From fundraising to a conservation easement

“Once the fundraising is complete and the 202-acre former Vistoso Golf Course is officially purchased, The Conservation Fund will protect the property with a conservation easement, which will legally protect this land for conservation indefinitely. After that, the property will be transferred to the Town of Oro Valley, and a qualified land trust will be named as the long-term property steward who will ensure it adheres to the terms of the conservation easement.”

- - -

Agreement Would Convert Former Vistoso Golf Course to a Nature Preserve

Agreement would convert former Vistoso Golf Course to a Nature Preserve

Preserve Vistoso announced today that The Conservation Fund (TCF) will purchase 202 acres of the former Vistoso Golf Course. TCF will protect the property with a conservation easement as a nature preserve and community trail. The Town of Oro Valley is expected to become the eventual owner. TCF is a nationally recognized conservation nonprofit, 501(c)( 3) organization creating solutions that make environmental and economic sense, redefining conservation to emphasize its essential role in the country’s future prosperity. 

Agreement should be final by year end

The property transaction should be final by year-end, contingent on the community raising $1.8 million for TCF to complete the purchase. Last year, community members conducted a successful pledge drive, but TCF’s offer to purchase the property was rejected. Now that an agreement was reached, there will be another opportunity for the community to raise the funds. 

Goal of a “preserve” is at hand

“Our community’s goal to preserve the property is finally close to becoming a reality,” said Gayle Mateer, president of Preserve Vistoso, a 1,860-member community 501(c)(3) nonprofit. “After the Vistoso Golf Course closed in 2018, we formed Preserve Vistoso so the community would have a voice in saving the property as a nature preserve and community trail. Now as a community we need to secure the funds to complete the purchase to save some of the last remaining large parcels of Sonoran desert in Oro Valley as open space.” 

…and it will be spectacular

Tom Weiskopf designed and opened the Vistoso Golf Course in 1995 with more than 70 percent of the property retained as Sonoran desert habitat. It has spectacular mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, more than six miles of paved trails, three restrooms and trail underpasses for major roads. The area was once home to a Native American village called Sleeping Snake, as evidenced by the petroglyphs that can be found on the property. 

Thanks to the community for the support

“Our community would not give up,” Mateer said. “Our volunteers persistently raised the issue of preserving the property with Town Council members and Town management. Preserve Vistoso membership grew as more community members supported our efforts to preserve the property for community use. TCF has been our valued and trusted partner. We also applaud the involvement of Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett, Town Council members, Town Attorney and Town Manager in negotiations for the purchase. Their support and direction were critical to our success.”

 (Source: October 13, 2021 press release of the organization "Preserve Vistoso")

Fundraising for the Preservation of the Former Vistoso Golf Course Begins Today!

Agreement reached… Now its time to raise funding

The Conservation Fund (TCF) will begin accepting donations toward the purchase of the 202 acres of recreational open space that was once the fairways of the former Vistoso Golf Course. The fundraising will occur over the next 60 days with the purchase projected by the end of December 2021.

It’s been a long road

As those who have been following this saga know, the purchase of the property proved quite challenging and required a strategic partnership approach. The Conservation Fund entered into discussion with golf course owner Romspen LLc in May of last year. Last November, the Town of Oro Valley agreed to join the negotiations. Last month, the sale of the property was agreed upon. 

• TCF will purchase the 202 acres. 
• An outside developer will purchase the six acre parcel that is zoned for residential use. 
• The town will enter into a Global Settlement Agreement to resolve any remaining issues.

The Benefits of Donating to a Nationally Recognized Non-Profit

There are many benefits to TCF’s involvement. Their reputation is above reproach as one of the top-rated conservation organizations in the county, with a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, an A+ rating by Charity Watch, and as an organization that achieves the standards of excellence of the Better Business Bureau.

TCF’s platinum level accreditation with the Land Trust Alliance ensures with a high degree of certainty that your donations will allow the purchase of the former Vistoso golf course to join TCF’s impressive legacy of land preservation in Arizona and throughout the country. With your tax-deductible contributions, 202 acres in Rancho Vistoso, Oro Valley will join the 1 million acres TCF has conserved in Arizona, and 8.5 million acres they have conserved within the US. In Oro Valley our motto is: It’s in our nature and very soon we will have the nature preserve to prove it!

A Conservation Easement makes all the difference!

Once the 202 acres of the former Vistoso Golf Course is purchased, TCF will protect the land with a conservation easement. Think of it as a deed that will forever follow the land allowing certain recreational uses while prohibiting other activities such as development. Imagine never having to fight off another developer! 

While the Town of Oro Valley is expected to be the eventual owner of the property, a qualified land trust will be named as the long-term property steward who will ensure it maintains adherence to the terms of the conservation easement. 

The conservation easement is one of the most value-added features of working with The Conservation Fund to purchase the recreational open space of the former Vistoso golf course. We donate and they do all the work from purchase to protection.

Your help is needed to fund the Purchase

The Conservation Fund has established a goal of raising $1.8 million by December 2021. A designated pledge form will direct all donations exclusively towards TCF’s purchase of the land and establishment of a conservation easement.

Tax-deducible charitable contributions may be made by check, wire transfer, securities transfer, and qualified charitable distribution.

You can view and download the 2021 Romspen Vistoso Project Pledge Form here.
 
All donors should direct questions to: 

Kirste Kowalsky, Arizona Field Representative, kkowalsky@conservationfund.org, 480-332-3012 

Mike Ford, Senior Nevada and Southwest Director, mford@conservationfund.org, 702-655-8167

---

Source: Oro Valley Resident Rosa Dailey

Bits and Pieces

Conceptual agreement reached on Vistoso Preserve 

All parties to the sale of the former Vistoso Golf Course and its conversion into a permanent preserve have formed a conceptual agreement. “As there is now no disagreement on any issues of substance, the parties will be working through contracts and legal documents with the goal of completing the deal no later than by close of next week.” (Source: Reader's email)

Once the agreements are signed, fundraising will begin.  LOVE will keep you up to date as we learn more.

Oro Valley Marketplace changes and the water challenge are featured on this week's Jim Horn Oro Valley Podcast talk with LOVE

We are Jim Horn’s Guest on his Oro Valley Podcast this week. We talk about two topics: The proposed changed to the Oro Valley Marketplace and “Water”. We discuss two questions: Are the changes proposed to the Marketplace something the town needs? Can Oro Valley remain an oasis of plentiful water when the rest of the West isn’t? Get updated on the Marketplace proposed changes here. Listen to Jim’s podcast here.

Oro Valley Historical Society membership meeting next Thursday

The Oro Valley Historical Society is holding a membership meeting at the Pusch House at Steam Pump Ranch on Thursday, September 30 at 2:30pm. After the meeting, attendees are welcome to tour this month’s exhibit and enjoy some refreshments.

Fall "Pavement Preservation" schedule available

The town has released its plans for this fall’s pavement preservation schedule. Work starts in late October. This is a program started years ago to refresh our town’s street’s long before they have to be replaced. The program truly does extend the life of our streets. It’s why the condition of our roads is so good. Read what’s going to be done and where here. 

Lots of scams

There are many different kinds of "scams". Seems like more than ever. Visit this FTC link to learn more. We receive emails routinely about being charged for a Norton Security subscription. We have no such subscription. We simply delete the message and we suggest you do the same.

Town Unveils Major Upgrade To Council Chambers

Council cleared up some open items

Last week’s council meeting, was the first in person council meeting since March of 2020.  The council cleared some open items including:

• Approved a resolution to accept an annual subsidy of $34,050 to support the operation of the town’s 9 hole Pusch Ridge Course. The subsidy comes from three homeowner associations that abut the property. The amount will be paid for the next three years.
• Retained Jonathan Rothschild as outside attorney
• Amended the town's water code to penalize water wasting. You can read more about that code here.

Renovated council chambers

The council chambers were renovated and updated to take advantage of the latest technology.  The cost of the renovation was $600,000.   The facility was built and maintained years ago when the town offices were built.  

Click on picture to expand view

Changes include:

• Increased capacity to 190 from 104 persons
• More comfortable chairs
• Improved ADA compliance
• "Loop system" for people with hearing aids
• Better technology including two large monitors and improved lighting for visual quality streaming
• New audio-visual system to enable virtual public participation, boards and commission members, and council members

With the new chambers and in person meeting, the town has changed its council meeting procedures.

The new technology allows residents to participate both in person and virtually. “For agenda items listed as Public Hearings, there is now an option to speak publicly via Zoom if the speaker registers at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting by filling out a “virtual” speaker card. Once a speaker has registered online, they will be provided with additional instructions and a Zoom link on the day of the meeting. The new virtual option also applies to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment, as they are both held in Council Chambers and have Public Hearings.  

Links to register for a virtual speaker card will be included in each meeting’s agenda, which is posted to the Town’s website one week in advance. ”

---

Vistoso Preserve Becoming A Reality

Vistoso Nature Preserve to become a reality

Last night, the Oro Valley Town Council met in executive session to finalize next steps regarding the conversion of the former Vistoso Golf Course into a preserve. The council unanimously approved the following resolution:

"...to proceed with a settlement agreement of all disputes [between the town and property owner] Romspen that facilitates The Conservation Fund's purchase of the 202 acres of the former Vistoso Golf Course; that the town council will allow the town to be a party to the resolution of all claims with Romspen and be party to the negotiation to the conservation easement between The Conservation Fund and Romspen, including any consideration acquired by the town; that staff is directed further to the settlement agreement, to involve a third party regarding the purchase of the six acre property owned by Romspen, currently zoned multi family residential."

End of a long journey

Residents are hopeful that his  resolution ends a four year nightmare for the residents of Rancho Vistoso.  Speaking on the motion, Oro Valley resident Rosa Dailey speaking to council observed: "You are going to be known as the council that brought conservation to Oro Valley in a very big way." 

According to Dailey:" This is the end of a long journey."

Naranja Park …. Vistoso Preserve… and more…

Council prioritizes projects in the $25 million Parks and Recreation Bond…but not without controversy
The Town Council set priorities for specific parks and recreation projects to be funded by an approximate $25 million bond that will be issued this fall. The projects are listed in the panel that follows. The bond will be repaid by approximately half of the half percent sales tax the town levies to fund the town’s three golf courses and the community center. Town Manager Jacobs and Town Finance Director Gebhart assured the council that the town will have the funds from the sales tax levy to repay these bonds under any foreseeable circumstance. 

The projects that are included in the bond are in addition to projects included in the 2021-22 Parks and Recreation Budget. $1.3 million in this budget is designated spending for Steam Pump Ranch. According to Council Member Bohen this amount is far too little. “Steam Pump Ranch has never been a priority” and there are many unmet needs. 

Council Members Solomon and Greene voted against the priority list. Pointing to the town’s statistically valid survey of resident parks and recreation needs done just last year, Solomon noted that Naranja Park was not even on the list. Solomon stated that the inclusion of massive funding for Naranja Park in this bond simply does not meet the wishes of the residents. 

Solomon is correct that the survey reflects no significant resident interest in building Naranja Park. This has been true since the day the county gave this stone and mortar quarry to Oro Valley. Naranja Park has never been important to the majority of residents. It has only been important to members of council.

Former Vistoso Golf land purchase negotiations continue… Some resolution perhaps in September

Speaking at last week’s council meetings, Rancho Vistoso residents were complementary of Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Town Attorney Jonathan Rothschild “for their diligent, hard work in bringing this matter to closure.” They were speaking in regards to ongoing negotiations regarding the former Vistoso Golf Course. The matter remains in negotiation. 

 
Speaking after executive session, Town Outside Counsel Rothschild stated that Romspen has “agreed” to a specified price for the property. The Conservation Fund has agreed to purchase the property for the appraised value, which will be known in August.” It is possible that the appraised value will be less than meet amount Romspen wants for the property. Thus, the council likely will have to consider legal options, which may include condemnation, to force a resolution. 

Council Member Solomon said: “We are very close.” Residents hope so. “Its’ been three years”, one resident noted. “Time to bring this to a conclusion.”

Council adjourns until September 7 meeting… Will unveil upgraded council chambers

It will be an “in person” meeting in renovated council chambers. Public participation will be available in person. The town will use Zoom participation for public hearings only. Thus, one who wants to participate in the “call to audience” segment will have to do so in person. Town Manager Jacobs stated that the town will provide more information on how these meetings and those of the town’s boards and commission will take place.

Update On Negotiations To Purchase Vistoso Golf Property

The following is a press release from the organization, Preserve Vistoso

—-
April 26, 2021-- Mike Ford, Southwest Director of Conservation Acquisition for The Conservation Fund (TCF), provided Preserve Vistoso board members an update on progress to purchase the Vistoso  from Romspen Investments. Ford said that the Town of Oro Valley Attorney Jonathon Rothschild and Town Manager Mary Jacobs invited TCF to reengage in discussions for a purchase agreement with Romspen. Any deal is contingent on an appraisal of the property to establish Fair Market Value (FMV). Romspen attorney Pat Lopez agreed to contract for an updated appraisal

Ford said the deal being considered is for TCF to purchase the 202 acres zoned recreational at FMV and place a conservation easement on the property to protect it in perpetuity as open space. Terms of the deal including the purchase price and conservation easement language will be released publicly once the deal closes. The purpose of a conservation easement would be to define exactly what would be allowed and what would be prohibited. It would allow hiking trails, trail heads and parking areas, but ball parks and amphitheaters, for example, would not be allowed on the property.

 In a separate agreement, the six acres where the former club house and parking lot exist, currently zoned high density residential, would be sold to a private developer. Any development of the property would be subject to all existing zoning constraints including building height limits of 35 feet. Ford said that the developer would be known to our community and the plans would be compatible with the 202 open space acres.

If the FMV offer is accepted by Romspen, TCF would hope to close the deal by year end.  While TCF intends to eventually donate the property to the Town, TCF would also select a third party conservation land trust as a steward of the property to protect the natural habitat. 

"This is great news for our community," said Gayle Mateer, President of Preserve Vistoso. “TCF has remained willing to re-engage in the process even after the initial offer to Romspen was rejected last September. Mike Ford's leadership and the Town of Oro Valley's support have made an agreement on the property a possibility. We are cautiously optimistic that Romspen will accept the deal and we can end our three-year nightmare of uncertainty about the property."

—-

Bits and Pieces

Horn Launches "Unsung Hero" Podcast

Oro Valley resident Jim Horn has a new podcast called: "Oro Valley's Unsung Heroes." Jim interviewed Oro Valley Police Officer Alex Carillo, whom we covered yesterday in LOVE, in his first podcast. 

Horn intends future podcasts. "The Oro Valley Podcast will continue to do a series on the unsung heroes in Oro Valley. The series will feature those first responders that have helped to save lives in our community that would have otherwise been lost. The first responders devotion to duty and commitment to help our citizens is often overlooked. The Unsung Hero Series will highlight those achievements."

Hardy roundabout closed April 20 and 21

The town will be closing the Hardy and Northern Ave roundabout on April 20 and 21 for surface treatments. This is midweek so be sure to use an alternate route those days.

Did you know?

Oro Valley Police are involved in the building development review process. They provide recommendations about how projects can be designed to deter or prevent crime. (Source: 2020 Oro Valley Police Annual Report)

Shaffer Dry Cleaning Closing

Shaffer Dry Cleaning is closing its Rooney Ranch store on April 21. They told us that there was simply not enough business to justify keeping the location. We suspect their business is a victim of the pandemic. People stayed home. They didn’t need to dress to travel to work. Thus, less laundry to be cleaned. Shaffer offers a “door to door” service by calling 520-318-3538 or visiting shafferdrycleaning.com to sign up.

Jacobs’ Update: Former Rancho Vistoso Golf Course Purchase Negotiations Continue

Agreement in principal could mean end is in sight
Some Rancho Vistoso residents voiced guarded optimism regarding the town’s purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course at tonight’s council meeting. They did so after Town Manager Jacobs discussed the status of the purchase. 

Jacobs stated that the town has reached an agreement in principal with several parties. These include Rompsen, the property owner, and a third party purchaser of the 6 acres of land that is now zoned for development on the property. 

Jacobs said that The Conservation Fund, was informed of progress. They are the group that, under Vistoso resident plans, were to purchase the remaining 202 acres and gift it to the Town as permanent conservation land. It is unclear if those residents who pledged up to $1.5 million toward the purchase have been involved. 

Jacobs provided no details regarding the agreement or a timetable for completing the deal.

Some residents are cautiously optimistic
One resident stated cautious optimism; but observed that the “devil is in the details”. Others also cautioned that Romspen, a secured lender of last resort, cannot be trusted as a business partner.

Solomon: Jacobs acting on behalf of council... personal criticism of her unwarranted
After resident comments, Council Member Solomon stated for the record that Town Manager Jacobs and former Town Attorney Gary Cohen have acted under the auspices of the town council. This is in response to the fact that some residents have been and continue to be critical of Jacobs’ handling of this deal.

The saga does continue but perhaps there is an end in sight.

Rancho Vistoso residents have been working for three years to resolve this problem. It’s been a long time for them to live with the uncertainty regarding what is going to happen with this property. They even devised the solution to it. They brought that solution to town Council last fall.  We do hope a successful end is in sight for them.

---

Town Action On Former Vistoso Golf To Be Announced At Wednesday Council Meeting

Staff will present action Wednesday

The Oro Valley Town Council held a special session and an executive session at  today to discuss any action to be taken regarding the former Vistoso Golf property. Last, fall, the town council directed Town Manager Jacobs and then town attorney Cohen to proceed to negotiate purchase of the land from the owner, Romspen.  

The council met in executive session and then return to special session. They voted to authorize the town manager to present the next steps regarding this property at Wednesday's council meeting.

Vistoso Residents opine on the abandoned Vistoso Golf Course. Part 2. A Tohono O’Odham burial site and memorial.

 

Yesterday, LOVE published a speech giving by a resident during the March 17th Call to Audience regarding the abandoned Vistoso Golf Course. Today we are publishing a speech given by another resident that same evening with another take on the issue.
---
"My husband and I live in the Centre Pointe neighborhood. We back up to one of the beautiful, natural desert washes surrounding the golf course. We love the view and all the critters and we don’t want to see it developed.

In the work I do, I am in contact with the large elderly population of Oro Valley. As I was chatting with one of my clients about the recent golf course situation, they mentioned that they used to be on one of the boards of the Oro Valley government at the time the golf course was being built. I’m not revealing this person’s name here but I’m willing to disclose it to the mayor and council in private.

We talked about the artifacts that were found and sent to museums. I had read about that in old news articles. The next thing surprised me. This person said there was a burial site. It’s still there. It was moved from the original location to west of the clubhouse. The information about it will be in Oro Valley government records from that time.

This is what I think will be a wonderful negotiating tool. What developer will want to buy property that could potentially be an indigenous burial ground. All of a sudden, Romspen can’t claim that the property is so overly valuable. I would think that Mr. Solomon, particularly, would have a wealth of knowledge about this (Solomon nods his head yes) since he worked with indigenous people during development of his Rancho Moore property.

We need to find this exact location from the old records. If that is not possible, call the Tohono O’Odham tribe. (Solomon shakes his head no). We also need to check to see if anything was promised to the tribe when they signed off on the burial site. For example, is Oro Valley supposed to inform them if the golf course is ever sold or developed? I imagine they would prefer open space as opposed to development.

Thank you for listening to my idea. I can envision a memorial to the tribe when this open space has been secured. I see a life-sized image of an indigenous man, woman, girl, and boy. They will be remembered by everyone who walks on the path."

Janice Friel

Oro Valley Resident

Vistoso Residents opine on the abandoned Vistoso Golf Course. Part 1. Talk of development on the 6th and 14th holes.

 

During the Call to Audience portion of the March 17th Town Council meeting, several Rancho Vistoso residents spoke about the Romspen/Vistoso Golf Course debacle. LOVE is presenting two of those speeches. The first one is below. We will publish the second one tomorrow.
---

My comments are related to the former Vistoso Golf Course. My husband and I have lived on the 6th hole for almost 20 years. We, the community, are trying to respect the April 1st resolution deadline, but we continue to be frustrated with the lack of meaningful transparent updates regarding the status.

Since the golf course was abandoned, the 6th hole and fairway has been a target for partial development. We have heard rumors that there is a sitting member of council that continues to support and advocate for partial development of this area, the 6th hole and fairway, along with the 14th hole.

The Rancho Vistoso community has shown their commitment to the Town of Oro Valley and continued to attend these bi-weekly meetings in an attempt to resolve the Romspen abandonment of the golf course property. It has been 3 years in total. The Town is the only entity with the leverage and power needed to resolve this issue.

We have 3 questions:

1. What is the status of the fair market value appraisal of this property?

2. Is the Town of Oro Valley committed to move to condemnation timely if Romspen fails to negotiate a final resolution based upon fair market value?

3. Is the Town of Oro valley committed to engage the Conservation Fund in order to obtain a conservation easement and to raise the necessary financial support for this property?

Thank you for the opportunity to speak.

Theresa Moreau

---
Editor's comment: Who is the sitting council member who is advocating for partial development on the abandoned Vistoso Golf Course? Could it be council member and developer, Steve Solomon? That would be interesting because while running for re-election last year, Solomon posted campaign signs in Rancho Vistoso containing the words, “Preserve Vistoso.”

Jacobs Tries To Provide Clarity To The Status of Former Vistoso Golf Property Purchase Negotiations

Town Manager Mary Jacobs stated the following during her Town Manager’s report to council of March 17. We have provided heading for reading convenience.

—-
The Conservation Fund has never been excluded from negotiations

“For this evening’s update on Romspen on the potential purchase of the Vistoso Golf Course, I wanted to correct some apparent misinformation. The Conservation Fund has never been excluded from negotiations They did their own appraisal last year and they remain engaged in the process. The Conservation Fund provided to the town and to Romspen the parameters by which they can participate in the purchase of this property. And we held our most recent meeting with Mike Ford of The Conservation Fund just last week.

Negotiations are pending Romspen's response

The ball has been in Romspen’s court now for many weeks. Unfortunately, due to personal tragedy that occurred in the family of one of the Romspen negotiators, the town is extending some grace to their team through this very difficult time. So we do hope to hear from them in the near future and, of course we will report back to the community.

Council has been kept apprised of the status of discussions

And I did just want to clarify again: The Mayor and council motion from November 18 specifies that Mr. Cohen and I were given the task “In an effort to negotiate the sale of the former Vistoso Golf Course, zoned open space golf for fair market value on or before April 1.” We were also further instructed to keep the council regularly informed on the status of these efforts. As you know, in any negotiated real estate transaction the party offering to purchase can not force the seller to sell their property nor dictate the purchase price. It is a process of negotiation and sometimes these things take longer than any one of us would personally prefer. Myself included.

As I mentioned last week, the town council is being kept fully abreast of all discussions and developments in the negotiation and this elected body has provided appropriate direction in executive session in accordance with the provisions of state law. Information regarding the town council’s ability to use executive session and the confidentiality of those negotiations has been posted to the town’s website per the Mayor’s request of two weeks ago.” 

[End of Jacobs' statement]

---

Vistoso residents respond

Vistoso residents reacted to Jacobs' statement during the call to audience segment of the meeting. There comments focused on continued confusion as to whether the town has obtained an appraisal of the property. Jacobs statement did not answer that question.

Multiple Vistoso residents call for the termination of Town Manager Mary Jacobs

Quality of life in Oro Valley at stake

Last week, during the March third "Call to Audience" segment of the town council meeting, a number of Rancho Vistoso residents expressed their dismay regarding the manner in which the town is pursuing the purchase of the former Vistoso Golf Course property.

Our report, "Vistoso Golf Course Purchase Has Gone "Sideways", quickly explains their concerns.  

The level of angst among residents is high. What happens with this property has a direct and lasting effect on their quality of life in Oro Valley.

Many Rancho Vistoso residents had sent messages of concern to the town council prior to last week's meeting. The following is an excerpt from one of these letters. It is representative of their concerns.
---
"Mayor and Council,
Today I call upon you to terminate Oro Valley Town Manager, Mary Jacobs, from her post. What do I base this action on? Read on.

Last November, you voted 7-0 on the Mayor's motion to direct the town manager to initiate a process to purchase the now abandoned Rancho Vistoso Golf Course from Romspen, LLC, based on Fair Market Value, (FMV).  Should an offer based on a town-derived appraisal for the "open space" of the golf course not be accepted by Romspen, then the town would pursue condemnation and take control of the land for the benefit of the community. A well-trodden path.

Clearly, this motion (see panel at right) was a directive to the town manager to act. The motion carried a due date for completion of work by April 1, 2021.

Today is March 1, 2021, and the town manager has not even begun the process. No appraisal has been contracted for (as far as the public has been informed) and the April 1st deadline will not be met and the community will continue to suffer the consequence of the city manager's inability to act on the motion you set forth.

The failure to procure a fair market value appraisal means that no fact-based offer or negotiation can be achieved. The FMV appraisal is the foundation to any solution.

The community has not been kept in the communications loop. We are locked out of transparent communications by Executive Sessions and the town manager's inadequate "two minute" reports that proffer nothing of substance. The town manager's obvious disregard for the community's pent-up need for meaningful information is appalling.

The town must now immediately remove the city manager as she has willfully defied the town council's directive and therefore placed herself in a position of being dismissed "with cause.” Alternatively, you could give her until April 1, 2021 to complete the performance of her duty as outlined in the motion.

The community is now in jeopardy of losing the opportunity to acquire the property. We hear that The Conservation Fund would still be willing to step-up to assist in the solution. I can imagine that the lack of transparency in communications and inaction by the town manager to acquire an appraisal must send the wrong signals about our willingness to accept their generous offer to help create a conservation easement here.

So what has the town manager been doing if not what the council directed her to do? Clearly not making an offer to Romspen for their consideration; no FMV appraisal, no valid offer. Is the town manager making "invalid" offers to Romspen? Are there other "cloaked" offers circulating that is taking up precious time and resources that have not been disclosed publicly? Are there other suitors out there making offers that are so destructive to your unanimous vote for conservation, that she cannot share them with the community? We can only speculate.

The town manager is the impediment to a community and town council supported solution for open space conservation in perpetuity. Let's remove the town manager from her position for cause and bad faith. She is no servant-leader.

Let's move on quickly towards the light of transparent communications and good faith offers as you directed at the town council meeting of November 18, 2020."
---