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Other articles about on-going local issues are at:
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posted August 2, 2008
Notes
from the Arber Ridge hearing of July 30
I didn't personally attend the hearing. The following
notes are paraphrased from the notes of someone who did attend:
There were only a few people from Catalina present at
the hearing to oppose the rezoning. The developers told the zoning commission that the majority of Catalina folks were "very
supportive of the project". They stressed the "green
features" of their development, but when asked if
there was any
guarantee that they would actually keep those features in the final plan,
the developers responded
that although they "really believe in those concepts", it was a matter of cost. The zoning commission responded to residents' concerns about
traffic by stating that a recent traffic study (provided to the commission by the developers) indicated that traffic on Twin
Lakes is currently only 10% of capacity and that the development would only increase it by 10%. (Of course that doesn't
address residents' major concern about the intersection of Oracle and Golder Ranch.)
The main concern of the commission was over the flood
control issues of the 100-year flood zone area in the SW corner of the project. That part of the project is the "natural
open space" area that the developers were speaking of in
their presentation. The commission also spent
a lot of time talking about issues like water, traffic, and lack of infrastructure support but kept stating that
most
of those issues were really Pinal County issues and thus out of their control. When one resident raised concerns
about water impact, one of the panel told her that he too was worried at first but is now reassured after reading the 7-page
water report ( supplied to them by the developers) which said there's plenty of water, and he suggested that we
should all read the report and get better informed.
The commission also mentioned that in addition to the high density
development planned for Falcon Valley, Willow Springs, Saddlebrooke Ranch, and Arroyo Grande, there are also large scale developments
planned for the Biosphere area,
San Manuel and Mammoth. In all we are looking at perhaps as many as 250,000 new residents
in the next 10-20 years. The panel couldn't agree on whether or not 11 units per acre should be considered high density.
One panel member felt that this project was not infill but rather was an example of "leap-frog" development. In
the end though, there were only 2 members voting to oppose the rezoning, therefore it passed this first part of the process
and their recommendation for approval will be sent on to the Board of Supervisors.
Now for some of my personal
thoughts on all of this:
To many, this plan did look pretty reasonable. Mr. Berisha and his engineers present
themselves as decent men trying to create a project in a win/win atmosphere. Although the density raised many concerns,
many felt that it worked as a transition from the commercial corridor to the 1 home per acre zoning throughout Catalina.
And many backed away from opposing believing it could be "much worse".
For me, "much worse"
plays out as an apartment complex in an area desperately underserved by law-inforcement and in a neighborhood whose schools
are close to capacity with no new facilities in sight. But even if this current plan is approved by the Board of Supervisors,
there is no guarantee that it will be built as it was presented and my worst case scenario could possibly come to pass.
The zoning change being requested does allow for "rental" apartments, and although making such a change
would require the developer to go again before the Board of Supervisors, such a request might be considered at that time "not
a substantial change" and simply fall under the Consent Agenda. This means there will be no "notice"
of a hearing; no community notice or input required.
Mr. Berisha's engineers assured us that the zoning change
was contingent upon their specific plan. Yet developers can, and often do, apply for changes that the County has
the discretion to consider "not substantial". Those changes to the plan could be very substantial to the neighbors,
and those neighbors will never know until it's all said and done. And what if Mr. Berisha sells his property?
The new zoning stays in place and it will be up to the Board of Supervisors of some future time to determine if it meets their
criteria. So if in 10 years the area around Catalina has become more dense (as is planned with Arroyo Grande), multi-dwelling
rental units might be then considered appropriate..."not substantial" enough to require a hearing.
Catalina
watched as the final zoning ordinance (essentially a County law) for Black Horse was changed out of sight and knowledge of
the residents. Many felt that the dedication by the developer of an unimpeded Twin Lakes Blvd would be a very positive
addition to our infrastructure. It was only when the grading of the road began that it came to light that the developer
had been allowed to add those traffic circles that totally changed the character of the initially presented road. Some
neighbors were promised "considerations in development" in exchange for supporting that rezoning. I'm
sure some were disappointed, especially those who continue to deal with flooding due to run-off from that development.
In the rezoning of an area of Oro Valley, it was made one of the conditions of the rezoning that Michael Carlier,
of Vistoso Partners and Black Horse Advisors, be required to donate land to Amphi for a neighborhood school. The site he offered
was considered unbuildable, and years later, after the rezoned area had been developed, the school site had still not been
donated. (When I checked with Amphi earlier this year, the issue seemed close to resolution.)
So people
need to really think before supporting any hard zoning change. Once it's done, it's done.
Notes
from the June 18 meeting with the developer of Arber Ridge are now posted on the Catalina Community Meeting page.
posted June 15. 2008
High Density Development Proposed for Twin Lakes Area!
For
information, go to:
http://savecatalina.com/Arber-Ridge.htm
posted February 22, 2008
As you meet about this Arroyo Grande project, I urge you to keep asking questions about the one issue that
will not go away - water. Although it would really degrade our quality of life, we could physically survive higher gas prices,
more pollution, more crime, more crowded classrooms, more jails, slower transportation, lower wages, higher taxes and so forth.
But we _can not_ physically survive without water, no matter what the cost.
Water experts, researchers, and even governmental officials are now expressing concerns. Please take a look
at the February 2008 issue of National Geographic: http://citizensedproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=32The research scientists from the UofA mentioned in the lead article about water management problems in the southwest are
bright, level-headed climate researchers who live here in Tucson and work at the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research. The Tree-Ring
Lab's research is based on thousands of years of tree-ring data reflecting water and climate conditions in the southwest
and has shown that the southwest has indeed fluctuated between wet and dry centuries. But... Colorado River water management
policies are based exclusively on a very short quarter-century of river flow data.
Tree-rings show that the water data used as a basis for dividing up Colorado River water between the seven
states and Mexico happened to be one of the wettest 25-year periods in the past 1000 years. In other words we are dividing
up Colorado River Water based on record high-water levels that we can not count on during drought or even "normal" rainfall
periods. And California still gets their full amount of that exaggerated percentage before Arizona gets a drop.
Climate models from experts in many areas agree that the water levels that the Colorado River water division
is based upon, will not continue to be available. Research shows that the past 100 years was an exceptionally wet period and
that we are still below "average" and still in an extended drought similar to ones that have occurred in this area in the
past. An extended drought in the 1200's and 1300's is now considered one of the likely causes of the abandonment of large
pueblos and villages in the southwest and the subsequent disappearance of the Anasazi, Mogollon and Hohokam in prehistoric
times.
Some climate models used by researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
and confirmed by other researchers predict that by the year 2050 Colorado River runoff will drop to 7 million acre feet which
is half of what we consume today. That means, not only can we not support the current growth trends, there's not enough water
in the Colorado River to support _us_ for the next 40 years. Forget about future generations, OUR generation is in trouble.
Here are some little known facts that you can ask officials about:
- Agriculture uses over 80% of the water in Arizona but contributes only about 2% of the revenue - is that
reasonable?
- the CAP is not regulated by any state governmental agency even though they manage our primary source of water,
is that reasonable?
- Many of the CAP board members have ties to land development, mining and agriculture. One former board
member was the chief financial officer for Robson Communities (SaddleBrooke builders). He also served on the Governors water
policies board and is head of the Arizona State Retirement System.
- In severe drought periods, California and other states
will continue to get their full percentage of CAP water even if it means Arizona gets none - then what?
- As water supplies
dwindle, water prices will soar like gasoline and the CAP is unregulated - shouldn't we have water supplies regulated by the
government?
- The Governor's water advisory panel is made up of water experts from the 3 AZ universities - but many of
them depend almost exclusively upon research grant funding from the CAP and local governments and are therefore careful not
to criticize CAP policies or local water management groups - is this an unbiased view of water policy issues?
- Under current
water use policies, new housing developments can rely on unlimited groundwater pumping if they enroll the development in a
loophole program called CAGRD that performs recharge of CAP water into Avra Valley. Homeowners pay all associated costs which
is included on their County property tax assessment bill. How does this protect our valuable groundwater resources?
- the
Colorado River currently serves seven states and Mexico, and Albuquerque just started drawing Colorado River water this year.
Las Vegas is already in serious trouble for water, why are we selling CAP "water surpluses" to the state of Nevada under the
water banking program?
- the proposed mine in the Santa Ritas purchased CAP water "futures" so that they can pump clean
groundwater for their mining venture in the Santa Ritas and runoff from their copper extraction process will go downhill into
Tucson region, is that wise?
- which portions of the Arroyo Grande plan are reserved for the biologic/wildlife corridor
listed on Sonoran Desert Conservation Plans that we approved funding for and where will our bond money be spent?
- where
are listings of the many prehistoric sites in the Arroyo Grande plan and how will they be preserved?
- where are the environmental
impact statements showing the impact of this plan on wildlife and vegetation?
- who are the developers that will be purchasing
the land from the State Land department?
- if the proceeds from state land sales like Arroyo Grande are providing so much
funding to public schools in Arizona, why are we 49th in the nation for education spending per student?
Barry
The following piece concerning the Arroyo Grande plan was written by
Catalina resident, Hank Rowe, for the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists organization of which he is Vice-President.
He includes links for further reading and important contact information.
You may have noticed a little piece that has been growing in the local media - if not, it is flying under
the radar vary nicely (as Arizona State Land Department and the Town of Oro Valley would like). On the table is the
proposed annexation of the State Trust Land immediately north of Oro Valley, all the way to the Pima/Pinal County Line.
An area referred to as "Arroyo Grande".
While ASLD is coming out saying that this is a new precedent for them - to openly work with local government
agencies (ie: Oro Valley), it really comes across as a bait-and-hook. Oro Valley is in a hole of mismanagement, where
financial trouble has arisen out of a lack of planning for infrastructure and the desire to give tax breaks to commercial
development (among other things). So who wouldn't jump at the chance to work with the ASLD to add some 9000+ acres to
their jurisdiction? It is also questionable when ASLD's presentation on the Conceptual Plan spends 16 of the 25 pages
of their PowerPoint presentation justifying their mission, duties, beneficiaries, and process.
In short, the Arroyo Grande Conceptual Plan encompasses 9,100 acres, surrounding the eastern end of Tortolita
Mountain Park in Pima County. The areas immediately adjacent to Tortolita Mountain Park (i.e.: Trail Access) are designated
as possible site for a resort and otherwise "low-density housing" (1 house per 3 acres, with some 60+% "open space" - which
was admittedly identified as "undefinable" by ASLD representatives). It is not at all beyond the realm of reality to
have the areas closest to the park become closed-gated communities, restricting or eliminating access to the eastern side
of the Park.
Further details of the Conceptual plan all but eliminate the existing "wildlife corridor" existing between
the Catalinas and Tortolitas (very literally, funnels to a very small area, akin to an hour glass). The plan also places
the highest density (a "community high-density center) to be placed at the Pima/Pinal County Line, immediately west of Oracle
Road (to those familiar, this is where the Rail X road is).
Obvious concerns are the impact that this annexation will have on trail access, wildlife, and known areas
of archaeological significance. Not to mention the dramatic impact on an already-over-stressed transportation corridor
(Oracle Road is the *only* road connecting the area to Tucson), cost of the infrastructure, and where the water is going to
come from. All areas that have not been answered as the prospect of annexation looms closer.
I urge you to check the following web sites for more information:
ASLD Powerpoint Presentation:
Also - you can write the State Selection Board to voice your concerns:
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona
1700 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
1-800-253-0883
Arizona Attorney General
Terry Goddard
1275 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
1-800-352-8431
Arizona State Treasurer
Dean Martin
1700 W. Washington St., 1st Floor
Phienix, AZ 85007
1-877-365-8310
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posted october 11, 2007
Catalina Regional Park Update
received from Supervisor Day's office
And They’re Off!
Catalina Regional Park (CRP) is finally out of the starting gate. From February to the present the primary objectives
have been access control, getting water to plants at the old Saul Pond, putting in and maintaining a wildlife drinker where
the pond used to be, tooling up, and making plans future park projects.
The Catalina Regional Park’s temporary headquarters is located at 4135 E. Trotter. The phone number is (520) 818-3807.
By next year, the headquarters will be moved to the A-frame house at Golder Ranch Road and Lago Del Oro Parkway.
Introducing Your Park Employees
Don Carter is the new CRP Park Manager. He has worked for Pima County Natural Resources for 8 ½ years. Prior
to his appointment as the CRP Park Manager, Don was a Senior Natural Resource Specialist and a Park Ranger/Park Police Officer. Don
has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona in Renewable Natural Resources. His major was in wildlife
ecology with a minor in fire ecology. Prior to going back to school at age 34, Don was a firefighter with Rincon Valley
Fire District, a trail crew leader with the National Park Service, electronics technician at IBM, and a U.S. paratrooper in
the United States Army.
Ed Neier has worked with Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation for twelve years. Prior to working for us, he worked
for the State of Arizona’s Natural Resources Department. Originally from Montana, Ed loves the outdoors. He has
explored, hiked, and hunted in every mountain range in Southern Arizona. He truly is a “Mountain Man”, and we
are very lucky to have him on board.
Tom Shaw has worked for Pima County Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation for several years at Catalina Park. Tom is
community minded and has a positive effect wherever he goes. His efforts have been, and are, greatly appreciated.
Organizing the Park
Catalina Regional Park is a long and narrow park that follows the Canada Del Oro (CDO) Wash flood plain. The property
is owned by Pima County Flood Control District and is managed by Pima County Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation. Because
different portions of the park are going to have different uses, it was decided that the park should be broken down into four
management areas as follows:
- Area one is at the northern most end of the park and will primarily be used as a trail linkage to the CDO Wash and the
50 Year Trail.
- Area two is just north of Golder Ranch Road and includes the White Dog Ranch. The local 4-H will likely have a management
agreement for the ranch and will hold livestock and animal shows at the facility. A portion of this area will be used for
other public events. It will have a parking lot that will include a parking area for horse trailers. Also, there will
be a small children’s park and restrooms near Golder Ranch Road and Lago Del Oro Parkway.
- Area three extends south from Golder Ranch Road to Rollins Road. Area three will be rehabilitated as a meso-riparian
habitat, and it will eventually have trails for horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers.
- Area four is the area south of Rollins Road to the Pima Pistol Range and is considered important habitat for wildlife. A
plan is in progress to modify the pond (which is now dry) into a wetland area for birds and other wildlife. Eventually, threatened
and endangered species will be introduced into the wetland area. Because area four is considered important habitat, limited
public activities will occur in it. Once the wetland is completed, environmental education programs will be conducted
there and interpretive foot trails will be developed.
What About Those Weeds?
Since the park’s establishment, the most persistent question has been, “What is the county going to do about
those weeds?” Pima County Natural Resources recognizes the need to mitigate potential allergy and fire sources and is
in the process of doing so. The areas that pose the greatest fire risk to life and property are being dealt with first.
Fire Management
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation has been actively working with the Golder Ranch Fire Department, Arizona
State Land Department, Coronado National Forest, the Catalina Village Council, and numerous other agencies, organizations,
and individuals, to develop the Catalina Community Wildfire Protection Plan. What does this mean to the Catalina residence? It
means that if and when a fire occurs in Catalina Regional Park, emergency response agencies will be better prepared to handle
the situation. This preparedness state will come about through fire preplanning (area familiarization) and treatment
of fuels (vegetation) within the park. The primary fuel treatment will be pruning trees and thinning brush where appropriate
to the wildlife habitat. The overall Catalina Community Wildfire Protection Plan extends well beyond the boundaries of
the Catalina Regional Park and will soon be available for public review through the Golder Ranch Fire Department.
Fences and Trails
As many of Catalina’s residence have found, we are in the process of fencing off certain areas of the park. There
has been some concern that traditional horse and hiking trails will be fenced off; this is not the case. The only areas that
are currently being fenced are those that have been used for illegal off-road motor vehicle activities or illegal dumping. Some
areas will be fenced for public safety, for park security, or to keep livestock out. Access to any major trails has not
been blocked, but a couple of smaller trails have been rerouted so as to avoid having too many gates or entry points into
or through the park. Again, the goal is to reclaim habitat and not fragment it with too many trails or fences.
How’s the White Dog Ranch Coming Along?
The two large barns at the White Dog Ranch are currently being renovated. Ed Neier has been responsible for getting
the weeds and debris cleaned up at the ranch. The place is shaping up nicely! A management agreement with the local
4-H should be in place soon. The 4-H will be responsible for the day-to-day activities associated with the ranch, and Catalina
Regional Park staff will oversee all of the activities at the ranch and offer assistance where needed. The 4-H will be
using the facility as a “mini fairgrounds”. There will be livestock and animal shows as well as Gymkhanas
and other exciting events for local kids.
Finally, Dispelling Myths…
Q. Is it true that there are going to be large soccer fields in the park?
A. No. There was some talk years ago about putting in soccer and ball fields, but those ideas were not
approved.
Q. Is Pima County going to put a dirt bike track in the park?
A. No. There are no plans for dirt bike tracks or any other tracks for motorized vehicles.The idea has been kicked
around about possibly allowing a small bicycle trail for beginner mountain bikers and BMX riders at the north end of
the park, but no decision has been made
Q. Are there going to be ball field lights at the equestrian center?
A. No. However, smaller arena lights (that would make it possible for the 4-H to hold night events in
the summer) might be considered at a later time if approved by the community.
Q. Will fishing be allowed in the wetland area when it is completed?
A. No, fishing will not be allowed for two reasons. First, Pima County Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation
does not allow fishing on any of its properties. Second, the only fish in the small pond will be Gila Topminnows and
Desert Pup fishes that are about 1-2 inches long. Both of these species are endangered.
Q. Is the county going to fence off the entire park with 4-strand barbwire?
A. No, only areas that need to be fenced to protect the resources or the public will be fenced. When Pima County
Natural Resources, Parks, and Recreation installs 4-strand wire fences, barbwire is only used in the middle and smooth wire
is used on the top and the bottom strands of the fence. This fence design is recommended by Arizona Game & Fish. However,
where possible only smooth wire will be used. Post and cable fence will be used in some areas as long as funding is available.
posted September 18, 2007
Notes from the County's Bond 2008 meeting last night
The meeting was very well attended, and opened with Supervisor Day remarking that the nights attendance
was the greatest thus far. In her opening remarks, she made it clear that "it's about time" for Catalina to benefit
from County bond funding. We learned that the "wish list" within the various departments is quite expansive, therefore
any proprosed project must have "broad community support" to make it to a bond election.
Various deparment heads were on hand to speak at length about the proposed projects within their departments.
Hand-outs of these County-wide "drafts" had been highlighted by staff to show the Catalina projects within the proposals.
The text we received is available at: http://www.bonds.pima.gov/future/working.htm and is important reading for everyone. The projects listed there are at this time "potential", so it will be community
comment that will further refine the list. A quote from the bond website, "These are working documents. Many more projects
are proposed than can be funded in a future bond election. Additions, deletions, and edits to the proposed projects are ongoing."
Your comments and suggestions can be submitted by email to: bondinfo@pima.gov(I just spoke with Nicole at the County Administrator's Office, and she said that although comments will
be considered until April/May, the sooner we get them in the better.)
A few of the Catalina projects currently included in the draft and discussed were ( forgive me, I didn't
take notes so I might well leave something out. Again, let me know!);
--Improvements to the playing fields at Coronado,
including more lighting with a centralized control system and paved parking areas. Audience comments-good for team sports
but will increase light-pollution.
--Improvements to the playground at the Rec Center, including updated playground equipment
and a new sanitizing system for the pool. Audience comments-great, but what about the building itself.
--Improvements
to the Sheriff's substation to increase security at that location.
--A new full-service Catalina library. Audience
comments-supportive but Pinal County users of our system should contribute.
--The continued attempt to acquire the State
Trust Land around the 50-year Trail for open-space.
--More funding thru Neighborhood Reinvestment for Catalina Community
Services.
Some audience suggestions for projects not currently included:
-A community cultural center for art and
performance
-A large full-service Community Center
- Drainage improvements to County roads impacted by increased run-off
from Pinal County, and to the "seasonal pond" known as Hawser Lake by the residents.
That's all I can remember, but the most important thing each of you can do right now is to look over the
draft proposal thru the County bond link above. Then send or call in your comments for support or deletion of projects currently
listed, and addition of any others.
Our community is finally "on the map" after having been under-served for many years. I believe
it has everything to do with the growing number of our residents who are finally "owning" their rights and power as citizens
of Catalina. Thanks to all of you who take the time to get informed and participate. You're making a real
difference!
posted July 9, 2007
Catalina Regional Park Update
July 2007
· Regional Flood Control District
o The County’s Regional Flood Control District is evaluating the
Cañada Del Oro Wash hydrology to determine flow rates and areas of impact. This data will take into account recent rainfall
data and current watershed conditions.
o Aerial photography and topography has been delivered to the RFCD and
the consultant has begun constructing the hydrologic model.
· Park Manager
o Don Carter is currently working with several biologists and the Arizona
Game and Fish Department in restoring the pond area to mimic the surrounding area and continuing evaluation of the native
wildlife. Restoration of the pond area is underway.
o Don is working on a weed control/abatement plan for the park with
several test plots planned.
o Don is also continuing work on erecting fence to secure access into
the park.
o Don will be working out of the park headquarters on Trotter and Lago
Del Oro.
· Park Design
o Design for the proposed playground area north of Golder Ranch Bridge,
the staging areas (near the Miraval Resort to the north, Rollins Road to the south, and immediately north of the Ranch), and
memorial plaza/art are underway. Westland Resources has completed 75% plans which are now under review by Pima County.
o The restroom design is being evaluated by the Department of Environmental
Quality.
o Construction will begin once the plans have been approved and permitted.
This is anticipated to be late summer 2007.
o Trail easements and alignments are being verified.
· Ranch Site
o Demolition of fencing, hot walkers, buildings not involved in the
rehabilitation, and corrals, etc. is ongoing.
o Roof trusses are currently being manufactured and should be delivered
to the site in early July. Construction of the ranch buildings will begin mid July.
o A tractor with accessories has been purchased for use both within
the park and at the ranch.
o The railroad car bridge has been evaluated and determined by our consultants
to be in good condition. A weight restriction will placed upon the bridge for safety reasons. Handrail and planks will be
replaced and brought up to current code
June 12, 2007
Grafitti, or tagging, is showing up again in Catalina.
Pima County Transportation will send someone out to remove it from public transportation signs.
Please report any incidents by calling 792-8224 (TAAG), or send an e-mail to PCTAAG@pima.gov with the specific location(s).
May 11, 2007
Important Golder Ranch Fire Info
Golder Ranch Fire District would like all residents to be aware of a non-emergency dispatch system implemented
a year ago. While the business phone number remains, 825-9001, and emergencies remain a 911 call, there is a special
number to call for help with situations where people or property are NOT in danger.
Some examples of this would
be; snake removal, lock-outs, and malfunctioning smoke detectors and fire alarms. This dispatch system is being shared
by 5 fire districts and operates 24/7.
The number to call for non-emergency assistance from
Golder Ranch Fire is
1-866-263-6701.
April 25, 2007
Notes from the initial presentation of Arber Ridge, a 140-unit condominium complex
being proposed for Catalina.
At last night's Village Council meeting, planners Marty Floerchinger and Michael Baker, along with local
builder, Gani Berisha, presented their plan for a town home community of 142 units to be built on 20.5 acres on the hill behind
the Bashas shopping area in Catalina. The majority of this parcel, 18 acres, is currently hard-zoned at GR-1, or 1 home
per acre. The remaining 2.5 acres is currently zoned for Transitional use which could be anything from commercial to
apartments.
The developer/builder, Berisha, is seeking a rezoning of the entire parcel to CR-4 under
which the options are "duplex, condominium, townhouse, apartment, or other multiple-dwelling development" according to Pima
County Code 18.27.010
Mr. Berisha is most known for his project of custom homes built on acre lots at Golder Ranch and Coronado
Forest.
Here are the bare bones of the plan as presented to the audience by way of a 3-D scale model and boards
showing an aerial view and interior floor plans:
Entrance to the "gated" community, to be named Arber Ridge, will
be at 15745 Twins Lakes Blvd. over a recently acquired 2.5 acre parcel The curving road will be flanked by 2 custom-built
homes on 1 acre lots with minimal disturbance (30%) of the trees and desert vegetation on those lots. Of the larger
20.5 acre parcel, 45% will be either undisturbed or revegetated with desert plantings.
The buildings will be 2-story with an average height of 20 feet, and from the model appeared to follow the
topography of the site. The units themselves will be 2-3 bedroom and will sell for $300,000 to $400,000. The entire
project was presented as tasteful, and respectful of the current surroundings.
A lengthy and friendly discussion between the planners, builder, and audience followed the presentation
and lasted until almost 9 PM. There was no shortage of "concerns" from the audience, as well as a few compliments for
the presenters and their project. As a seasoned participant in this type of meeting, I personally found the atmosphere
refreshingly open and respectful for all involved.
Although the project itself didn't seem to raise too many issues with last night's audience, it was
the impact of all the people and vehicles of 142 new households on our already stressed roads, schools, and water supply that
had residents most worried.
As a required part of the rezoning process, the developers will soon notify and meet with neighbors within
300' of the parcel. They also stated that they will welcome all concerned to those meetings with "the more the merrier"
being thrown out to a lot of knowing laughter from the audience. It will be in those neighborhood meetings that the
"negotiations" with which we've become so familiar will begin. Check back here often for updates.
Also: Since ingress and egress for this development is planned for Golder Ranch to Twin Lakes, the
already hellish mess at the Oracle/Golder Ranch intersection prompted many comments and questions from the audience.
Patrick Cavanaugh of Supervisor Day's office was in attendance and committed to "getting the transportation department up
here" to correct the problems at that intersection. Let's hope it gets resolved BEFORE there's a fatal head-on at the
hill or child thrown from his bicycle while riding to Bashas for a loaf of bread.
April 7, 2007
Edwin Road Update
This update was obtained by Supervisor Day's office in response to inquiries from the
community.
The Edwin Road improvements are a cooperative project between Pima County, Pinal County, and Robson Communities,
the developer of Saddlebrook. By Intergovernmental Agreement between Pima and Pinal
Counties, Pinal is the project lead
agency. Mr. Joe Ortiz with the Pinal County Public Works Department is the project manager. His phone number is (520)866-6413.
Hunter Contracting Co. is the prime contractor for the
construction. Mr. Abe Moffat is Hunter's project manager.
The
project began several years ago with the first public meeting in Catalina with Pima County Supervisor Sharon Bronson and Pinal
County Supervisor Lionel Ruiz in late 2003 or early 2004. There were several subsequent project meetings with Catalina Community
Council representatives. A project open house was held in October 2004 and there was a follow up mailing to area residents
in November 2005. Jan Johnson of the CCC was heavily involved early in the project. The project has progressed slowly
but steadily over the years, with completion of the roadway design, the cultural resources and biological assessments including
pygmy-owl surveys, the
application of Section 404 permits from the Corps of Engineers, and the completion of the native
plant survey and preservation plan for the Pima County portion of the right-of-way last fall. The construction started in
mid-February with the clearing of the north, Pinal County, right-of-way.
The project consists of constructing Edwin
Road as a paved, two-lane road with paved shoulder / bike lanes (total paved width 32 feet) from Eagle Crest Blvd. (east of
Oracle Road) to Columbus Blvd., a length of approximately 1.3 miles. The major topographic change is the 23 feet of cut in
the big hill west of Forecastle Avenue. The project also includes the construction of culverts at locations where drainage
currently
crosses over the road.
Pima County has acquired all of the necessary right-of-way and construction easements
on the south side of the road, including full acquisition of the property at the cut. The future road centerline will be offset
11 ft. to the north, the existing graded road is on the Pima County side of the line. Pima County's contractor is salvaging
trees and cactus from the Pima County portion of the right-of-way and expects to
be complete this week. The salvaged plants
are being placed in the Pima County Native Plant Nursery located at the Roger Road treatment plant for future use on other
Pima County projects. Trees and cactus outside the limits of clearing will remain in place. These are identified on the salvage
plan and marked in the field (white blaze).
Utility relocations are or will soon be underway. Hunter Contracting will
begin work on the culverts when the utilities are clear of those immediate areas. This work is expected to begin in April.
April 7, 2007
Latest on the Arcadia development
At last month's public Village Council meeting, the Arcadia developers and a couple of county
representatives took the time to come and explain the most recent version of the plans and to address community concerns regarding
run-off. Problem was the council chair and vice-chair once again failed to put out an agenda to the public
and only a small handful of residents were there to benefit from the information.
Briefly: Development will begin this summer. My understanding is that the 150 acre parcel will
be developed as single one-acre house lots to be built on by each individual buyer, similar to the development at Golder Ranch
and Coronado Forest. There will be a wall surrounding the entire development except for the far northwest corner which
is densely filled with mesquite and will have a wrought-iron fence.
The county representative from flood control assured the few in attendance that neighbors would not
suffer any greater run-off issues due to the development.
PINAL RESIDENTS SEEKING TO PROTECT THE
27 WASH AND STATE LAND ADJACENT TO CATALINA
The developer of Eagle Crest Ranch is seeking to purchase and develop over 350 additional
acres of State Trust Land in Pinal County along Edwin Road between Eagle Crest and Saddlebrooke. Cutting through this parcel
is the 27 Wash, or Wash 27, which eventually crosses Edwin Road, Pinto Lane, and continues right through the heart of
Catalina.
A Saddlebrooke group has recently formed to work toward the preservation and protection of this piece
of desert to the north of us, and is seeking our support in the effort. Now I know you long-time Catalina folk are choking
back a bit of a laugh. After all, you remember when all of that land was rolling hills filled with wildlife, a place
where hikers and equestrians could roam at will. You remember what it was like to wake up to morning air free of the
smell of diesel and the constant earth-shaking grind of a backhoe. Well these folks don't, and to them the hideous reworking
of the land at Eagle Crest is as much an afront as Saddlebrooke and Black Horse Ranch were to us.
But
Catalina residents living close to Edwin Road, Eagle Crest and Saddlebrooke have experienced more than a drastic change in
the landscape, they've experienced a dangerous increase in seasonal run-off due to the dense development in those Pinal County
subdivisions. Closely spaced homes, acres of asphalt and concrete, and the destruction of vegetation cause an increase
in the speed and volume of run-off as it exits the developments. If this area is developed with the same callous disregard
for those downstream as were Eagle Crest and Saddlebrooke, our community is in for some serious flooding along the 27.
Over
the years, pleas to Pima County to intercede on our behalf regarding any development issues just over the County line have
been met with, "We have no jurisdiction in Pinal County". But now we have a group of Pinal County residents,
Pinal County voters, who just might be able to affect change in Pinal County business-as-usual. Yes, their reasons
are their own, but just as there were Saddlebrooke residents who joined Save Catalina's efforts to stop High Mesa, our common
desire to protect a piece of our common desert should bring us together.
Read their letter here, Preserve the 27 Wash, and consider adding your name to their petition.
GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS
PRO Neighborhoods - People, Resources, Organizations in Support of Neighborhoods
PRO Neighborhoods is an organization dedicated to supporting grassroots neighborhood groups in Tucson
and Pima County. PRO Neighborhoods believes in local leadership, volunteerism, and the ability of communities to create change
from within. PRO Neighborhoods helps residents develop skills to make valuable connections with local resources. We support
neighborhood improvements through workshops, funding and consultations. Our ultimate goal is that everywhere you go in Pima
County, neighbors are helping neighbors, diversity is celebrated, and people care about where they live.
PRO Neighborhoods provides grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Grants are available to neighborhood groups of five or more
committed people who have developed an idea for an improvement project. Grants are awarded three times a year. For grant guidelines
and the pre-application form visit our website at www.proneighborhoods.org or call us at 520-882-5885.
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