New Homes in Catalina proposed……news on the Arroyo Grande Project

Preliminary plans have been announced for a massive development in Catalina that would include new homes, businesses, and possibly a Resort on State Trust Land.

Local opposition has been growing against the project that would entail around 15,900 new homes in the  development ,as it would be close to the unincorporated community of Catalina .

An official County representative Ann Day told a Catalina residents meeting that the County was not "on Board" with the Project.

Arizona State Land Department and Oro Valley want to annex the land for the Development, but are working together to address concerns  that could the new project could house around 38,000 residents.

 

The main concerns of residents appear to be the impact it would have on water, the wildlife corridors, roads, transportation, schools and the overal rural lifestyle of the community  Catalina.

 

The Project ,if  passed, will be years in fruition.

The Arroyo Grande development would comprise of  14 square miles with  Oro Valley to the south, Pinal County to the north, Oracle Road to the east and the Tortolita Mountains to the west.

 

The Arroyo Grande Development would include over 68 % of open space which is unusual for a high density development. 

Even with the County's lack of support for the new home project, however, the transaction would be between Oro Valley and the State Land Department.

 

"We all live on the Northwest Side and we have a vested interest as to how things develop," he said. "We want it to develop well."

 

 

More than 6,100 acres  of Arroyo Grande would be set aside  as open space, allowing for preservation of a wildlife corridor and the protection of the land's washes.

There appears to be some distrust on the part of the County as to how Oro Valley  will use the open space.

"There is no guarantee that the 68 percent will remain open space other than Oro Valley saying 'trust us,'" said Ann Day.

Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry later stated  that  the county will not support any land-use plan that is inconsistent with the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.

As Arroyo Grande Arroyo Grande exceeds  the 68%, the conversation plan's required two-thirds of open space.

However the open space as yet to be defined.

we will keep you posted on any  new Developments with the project.