Oro Valley Council Approves General Plan for November Ballot, Backs Townhomes for Rooney Ranch Property

The Oro Valley Town Council voted 6-0 Wednesday to adopt the town's "Path Forward" General Plan — a document three years in the making — clearing the way for the measure to go before voters on the November ballot. The council also voted to restrict future development of the former Rooney Ranch property to ownership townhomes rather than apartments, while preserving 88 acres as permanent open space.

General Plan Heads to November Ballot

The council unanimously adopted Resolution R-26-20, sending Oro Valley's Path Forward General Plan to voters after a process that generated more than 10,700 resident comments. Principal Planner Moenie Sims told the council the plan represents "the most extensive community engagement effort that the town has done for any project." The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended adoption following two public hearings in April.

Before voting, Mayor Winfield led a chapter-by-chapter review, proposing a series of language changes aimed at making the plan more action-oriented. Changes approved by consensus included replacing the word "maintain" with "ensure" or "strengthen" in several guiding principles, moving a pedestrian and cyclist crossing study on Oracle Road from the seven-to-ten-year timeframe to a one-to-two-year priority, and clarifying that water conservation language applied to all forms of water, including reclaimed. Vice Mayor Barrett praised the process, noting the project came in under budget and generated resident engagement that "far exceeds other jurisdictions." The adopted motion incorporated all changes agreed upon during discussion.

Speakers during the public hearing were largely supportive. Resident Cheryl Lamanna credited staff for ensuring the plan "mirrored the guidance provided by thousands of Oro Valley residents," while Kate Houghton of the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection praised the plan's protection of the Arroyo Grande wildlife linkage, which she described as one of the 16 highest-priority wildlife corridors in Arizona. One dissenting voice came from Tom Pugh, representing the Catalina Foothills Association, who said the organization — representing more than 1,700 homes — "firmly opposed" any annexation by Oro Valley. Planner Sims noted that a planning area boundary on the land use map does not constitute an annexation proposal and that the town had responded to letters from the association.

Council Restricts Rooney Ranch to Townhomes, Preserves Open Space

In a 5-1 vote, the council approved Ordinance O-26-07, rezoning the town-owned former Rooney Ranch property — located at the northeast intersection of Oracle Road and Pushview Lane — as part of the Oro Valley Town Center Planned Area Development. The ordinance restricts Area 3 to one- or two-story townhomes not to exceed 30 feet in height, prohibits apartments, and requires units be sold for ownership. Any linear commercial development in Area 2B would also be capped at 30 feet, consistent with existing nearby retail. Council member Nicholson cast the dissenting vote, expressing concern that a future owner could seek rezoning to apartments after purchasing the land at a lower townhome-market price.

The council also voted 6-0 to approve Resolution R-26-21, a general plan amendment for Area 4 of the site, changing the land use designation from low-density residential to community and regional commercial and open space. The amended plan proposes 88 acres of permanent open space — approximately 78% of the subject area — and eliminates all 77 previously entitled single-family lots, increasing the buffer between the property and neighboring Elkhorn/El Dorado patio homes from 100 feet to 350 feet. A preliminary appraisal provided to the council estimated the commercial and residential portions of the property could generate roughly $4 million to $7 million for the town, proceeds the mayor indicated could support a future police facility.

Three public speakers opposed the development, urging the council to preserve the property as open space. Resident Kurt Wyrick called the land "a beautiful, sacred space" that "you can't replace." Mayor Winfield acknowledged those concerns but said the town had "an obligation to manage this community asset responsibly." Vice Mayor Barrett said her support was driven in part by the fact that the current entitlement allows extensive hillside grading for single-family homes, which the new plan eliminates.

Vistoso Trails Irrigation Funded, ADA Trails Approved

The council voted 6-0 to redirect approximately $150,000 in unspent funds from the current fiscal year's $200,000 Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve allotment — plus $50,000 from next year's allocation — toward plant and turf irrigation systems in the pond area. The motion, brought by Council members Roth and Murphy, also directs staff to utilize a $136,210 Arizona State Parks grant for ADA-compliant trails in the pond area, with both projects to be completed in conjunction with the ongoing pond restoration.

Gayle Mateer, president of Preserve Vistoso, and resident Rosa Daley both urged the council to fund the irrigation now rather than in phases, arguing it would be more cost-effective to disturb the ground only once. "The longer we wait, the more expensive it's going to get," Mateer said. Council member Murphy noted the irrigation would use reclaimed water. Parks staff confirmed current estimates support completing the irrigation system within the available budget, though final costs remain subject to market fluctuation. A construction schedule is expected soon following a recent preconstruction meeting.

Flock Camera System Draws Renewed Criticism

During the call to audience, resident Sean Glaser urged the council to cancel the town's contract with Flock Safety, the automated license plate reader vendor. Glaser cited a recent case in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where the city council voted 7-0 to rescind a Flock contract after the company allegedly provided false information about its tracking capabilities. He also referenced at least 14 documented cases nationwide of officers misusing ALPR data for personal stalking since 2024, and argued the system constitutes mass surveillance in violation of Fourth Amendment principles. No council action was taken on the matter.

Also discussed:

The consent agenda approved, 6-0, a one-year extension of the intergovernmental agreement with Pima County for animal control services at no cost to the town; resident Sue Dugan requested the contract include enforcement response to neighbor complaints.
The consent agenda also approved, 6-0, Resolution R-26-17, delegating authority to the police chief to sign a sub-recipient agreement with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for equipment under the Operation Stone Garden program; a speaker raised concerns about drone misuse and police militarization.
A resident raised concerns about disruptive street markings and unresolved yard damage following fiber optic construction by Wired; Mayor Winfield directed town manager Scott Wilkins to clarify the town's responsibility to residents given that the town issues permits to such contractors.
The budget study session scheduled for the evening was canceled following a successful session held Monday.