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.

Bits and Pieces

VCA President runs roughshod over Sienna residents

Normally, LOVE does not report the machinations of homeowners associations. They are, indeed, their own legal entity. They are important to the community. They can do great good. They could also do great harm. It has been reported to us that there is a problem going on involving the Rancho Vistoso Community Association ("VCA") and small managed portion, Sienna.

It seems that VCA Chairman Gail Lopez Van Damm sent out a not board approved draft letter intended for Sienna, to the entire Rancho Vistoso Community. She did so without getting Board approval.  Then, she called a Board meeting to get permission to send the letter.

Lopez is on a tear to do something about the fountain entry way to Sienna. First, she wanted to obliterate it. Then, after getting a friendly letter from a Sienna resident attorney, she decided to try to restore it. 

She's a two year resident and a transplant from Chicago. What does she really know of the residents of Rancho Vistoso or of Oro Valley?

How did a person who barely has lived in Rancho Vistoso or Oro Valley or Arizona ever get elected to the VCA in the first place?

“No more than Fifty” on Oracle

We hope that you will join our campaign to improve safety on Oracle Road. It’s Oro Valley’s most trafficked road. Drivers routinely exceed the speed limit. The result: Oracle Road is where Oro Valley experiences the most accidents [table right]. In the past tenth months alone, 63% of total accidents involve some intersection with Oracle Road. 

The worst intersection is Oracle and Magee.  The number 2 worst has nothing to do with Oracle Road but it is under assault. It is Tangerine and 1st/Rancho Vistoso Blvd. This is the area where hundreds of tiny homes are being requested by Avilla.

Oro Valley: Safest City in Arizona

"In June, the Town of Oro Valley was ranked #1 of “Safest Places in Arizona 2022” by Elite Personal Finance. The website extracted the latest data from the FBI crime statistics in the United States to make its determination. OVPD is proud of this award, as it recognizes our dedication to fight crime and enhance the quality of life in Oro Valley." (Source: OVPD Crimefighter-November 2022)

Bits and Pieces

OVVC hearing continues on November 10

The Oro Valley village center Oro Valley Town Council hearing will continue next Thursday, November 10. This deters a decision on a very detailed motion that was presented by Vice Mayor Barrett that would require the owners of the property to meet specific guidelines in order to build a hotels and apartments that they propose at the former Oro Valley Marketplace . Specifically, the motion ties to a possible town partnership with the developer to create an  “Entertainment Center”.  We reported about this hearing Wednesday.

Chamber has new CEO

Kristen Sharp is now the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. She has been serving as the Chamber’s events director since June 2019. “Previous to her employment with the Chamber, Kristen taught at St. Mark’s Early Childhood Center and managed stores in Tucson for Bose and Hollister. Kristen is an avid reader, enjoys playing her piano and guitar and loves spending time with her husband and daughter.” (Source of quote).

Whatever happened to the Bed Tax Fund?

Once upon a time, and we’re not talking too long ago, the Town of Oro Valley had a separate fund for hotel tax revenues. It was called the “Bed Tax Fund.” The town’s former Town Manager, Mary Jacobs, decided that we didn’t need that fund and so the bed tax monies are now folded into the General Fund. The reason there was a separate bed tax fund was because half of those revenues are supposed to be dedicated to the development of the town’s park system. As one of our readers wrote: “No wonder the General Fund is doing so well. Part of it is smoke and mirrors.“ In fiscal year 2021, the bed tax revenues were $1.5 million. In fiscal year 2022, these revenues are $3.4 million. 

Be careful out there… the roads can be dangerous

The fatal accidents that happened at Oracle and Magee Monday night reminded us how important it is to be careful on our roadways. It was tragic and it happened at one of the town’s busiest intersections. We asked Paul Keesler, the town’s public works director, what we can do to protect ourselves.   His advice: “The intersection is presently under construction. My advice to your readers is approach the intersection with caution and slightly reduce their speed. With the distractions that a construction zone causes, one should be on heightened alert to look for other drivers who could be distracted. In other words, assume they may not have seen you and read their movements, particularly if it appears they may unintentionally move in front of you.”

Participate in the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Master Planning Process

“The Town of Oro Valley invites the community to participate in the master planning process for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve (formerly known as the Vistoso Golf Course). Input received from the community will be used to develop the Master Plan, which will be the framework for future site improvements, land-use management and visitor experience. The effort is being led by Sites Southwest, a landscape architecture and planning firm. A project kick-off meeting with Town staff and Sites Southwest was held in September to plan community engagement opportunities and develop a project timeline.

Participation, dates: 

• Tuesday, November 15: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting at 6 p.m. in the Hopi Conference Room (11000 N. La Cañada Drive) 
• Wednesday, November 16, details. 
• Thursday, November 17 details

(Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Weekly Email)

Council Approves "HAWK" At Ironwood Ridge

Device will be installed this summer

Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council approved the installation of a HAWK traffic control system at Ironwood Ridge High School. Students will be able to cross Naranja Drive safely starting with the fall semester. 

Council overrides staff recommendation

The decision of the Council to move forward with this overrode the recommendation of town Public Works Director Paul Keesler. Keesler did not believe that there would be use sufficient to warrant requiring the system.

Keesler based his conclusion on standards published by the US Federal Highway Administration. "The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel."  Keesler said that an average of 20 students per hour needed cross in a one-hour period. His team observed the intersection on several occasions in late April and identified not more than a maximum use of 14 people.

Keesler's strident assertion that the standards of the MUTCD must be met in this case is in stark contrast to the implementation of a traffic light at the Community Center and La Canada Drive. There was no study done to determine the need for that traffic light. Town staff justified that light on the basis that there was a "line of sight" problem and that a traffic light was necessary.

Council Member Solomon brought the issue to town council

Council Member Solomon presented the motion to move forward with HAWK approval.  Solomon said that he had been contacted by residents. We do not know if he discussed this with town staff. Rather, he chose to discuss it with former Police Chief Danny Sharp. According to Solomon, Sharp chairs the Highway Safety Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Sharp is also a candidate for mayor. Sharp told Solomon that a HAWK system was the most appropriate solution.

Barrett... Jacobs.. Keesler say they have been "working on this for some time"

According to Vice Mayor Barrett, speaking at the same meeting, this is not a new item. The town has been aware of the need to consider a traffic control device at the school since students returned to school last August after the pandemic.  According to Town Manager Jacobs: "We have been working very closely with the neighborhoods and the police" in this regard.  According to Keesler: "We've been working on this for quite some time."

... with no results

Regardless of alleged good intentions, the issue did not become important enough to investigate in detail until this April when Keesler did a survey to determine the actual potential HAWK usage.  That's when he did his surveys of potential use.

Town Manager asserts that she budgeted for the signal but...

The Town Manager stated (1.34:38 at the meeting) that she included funding in the 2023 Town Manager Recommended Budget Capital for the signal. Her statement is true but it is misleading. 

The Town has not allocated any of its own funds for the signal. The $400,000 for the signal is a line item in the Regional Transportation Authority and Pima Association of Governments ("RTA/PAG") This means that the Town must apply for the money and then RTA/PAG must approve the money to come out of their funds. There is no guarantee that they will approve it.  In addition, Keesler would need to approve the warrant for the signal. 

Council approval settles the issue and funds project

By approving the HAWK system at last week’s meeting, the Council said that it’s time to get this done regardless of what is Mr. Keesler or Ms. Jacobs thinks.

What else is being overlooked by town staff?

The decision to move ahead with HAWK does make one wonder. Why did Council Member Solomon have to put this on the agenda to prompt town staff to do something now? Isn't student safety of paramount importance? Why was the decision allowed to languish in a "bureaucratic" state?

This is the second item that Solomon has put on the agenda that appears to have been overlooked by town staff. The other is the discussion about improving mobility access at the community center. It was the action of Solomon that brought this to the forefront so that the Council acted to do something now. We wonder what would’ve happened if he had not made this a centerpiece of discussion?

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Note: Ironwood High School sits on a Naranja Drive, east of Shannon Road. It was opened in 2001. In recent years, medium density housing has been built around it, creating the need for some sort of crossing traffic control. Resident Jeff Taylor lives in the area. Yelling a council at the meeting, Taylor said that he has been after the town to do something for the past 18 months. Taylor did not live in Oro Valley prior to that. The schools were closed for much of that time due to the pandemic. They opened last August.