City of Tucson Re-Zoning Case C9-21-20.
Stop the development of 36 acres adjacent to La Mariposa Resort on Houghton Road
The Issue:
We, the residents of the City of Tucson and/or Pima County areas, urge im-mediate action to stop the rezoning and construction of 121 luxury rentals referred to as Casita Village at La Mariposa, identified as City of Tucson rezoning case C9-21-20 on Houghton Road, proposing to change zoning from SR (Suburban Ranch) to RR-2 (Rural Residential 2). The proposed development area is on the west side of Houghton Rd be-tween Tanque Verde and Speedway on the La Mariposa property near the resort.
Project Area: 36 Acres
Rezoning Area: 20 Acres
Development Area 19 Acres
Open Space: 17 Acres
179 Units
132 Lots
Overall Project Density: 4.97 Units per Acre
Rezoning Density 6.6 Units Per Acre
Max Height 25 Feet
Why should you care?
Environmental Conservation
The project threatens local ecosystems, including a formally designated wildlife habitat within the proposed 17 acres of open space and adjacent areas. Also, at threat, is one of only a few riparian habitats in its natural state left in Tucson —as well as the only remaining original mesquite bosque.
Flooding Risk
This area is in a FEMA designated floodplain and its terrain and current infrastructure are illequipped to handle the runoff from such a large development. This poses a serious risk of flooding to nearby neighborhoods and those downstream. This area and road system has a history of flooding.
Agua Calient Wash Flooding Video
Archaeological Integrity
Historical and archaeological sites in the area must be preserved to honor an important cultural heritage.
Increased Traffic
The development will significantly increase traffic congestion, affecting the quality of life and safety of our community members.
NAI Legal Issues (Community Liability & Property Rights)
(NAI) No Adverse Impact floodplain management is an approach which assures that the action of one property owner or a community does not adversely impact the properties and rights of other property owners.
Rezoning and developing will change the whole nature of this area all along the Agua Caliente Wash
Bear Canyon Neighborhood Plan (BCNP) Agreement
The BCNP is a well thought out land-use plan for our area and should be preserved. It is not within the power of a City of Tucson Development Services and Planning Department employee, which the Hearing Examiner is, to change the meaning intended by the simple to understand words of the plan. We must stand up to this attempt to take away vital safeguards to residents and existing neighborhoods in our beautiful area. Read More
Ways you can help!
Sign and share the petition
Petitions are just one part of an overall strategy for change.
Let decision-makers know what the public is thinking.
Suggest to media that an issue has enough public interest to do a story.
Help an organization build a list of people who are interested in an issue.
Bring about additional action and raise money.
Write a letter to Tucson Floodplain Management
Elizabeth Leibold
elizabeth.leibold@tucsonaz.gov
Peter McLaughlin
peter.mclaughlin@tucsonaz.gov
(520)837-4898
Help us pay legal fees
We retained an attorney to fight on our behalf. The firm is experienced with this kind of battle. Even if we can’t stop the project completely, we may be able to shrink it down to a more reasonable size.
Know what’s happening
Read the website, watch for stories in the paper, and do your best to be informed about this project and its impact.
Spread the word
By spreading the word and sharing our petition and flyer on social media and with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others—and by asking them to do the same, you can help us build our coalition against this re-zoning.
Attend public meetings
It’s not over until it’s over – join us at all public meetings and express your outrage over this project. When there’s a meeting, we’ll post the info here.
Contact local decision makers
By contacting our local decision makers by calling their offices and/or sending letters through the USPS or by email, you are joining countless other constituents informing them of your opposition and reminding them that they work for us.
Local Media
By writing letters to the editor of our local newspapers expressing your strong opposition to this rezoning, you are alerting their readers of the detrimental consequences this action will cause and by including our online petition site, you are providing them an opportunity to sign.
Join Social Networks
Making comments on our Bear Canyon Neighborhood Associa-tion Facebook page also helps spread the word!
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Impacted Areas
Powder Horn Ranch
Bonanza Residents
Lakes at Castle Rock
Forest Grove
Bear Canyon Woods
Tanque Verde County Estates
Tanque Verde Acres
Tanque Verde Woods
Catalina Point
Custom Home Rentals
Bear Canyon Condominiums
Non-Subdivision Ranch Homes
Bear Canyon Neighborhood Association
Tanque Verde Valley Association
Various Wildlife & Nature Preserves
What Residents Are Saying
“We are concerned that changes to the Aqua Caliente flood plain will present an unacceptable flood risk to our neighborhood based upon historical data.”
— Concerned Resident
“If the CLOMAR is done and it is moved to do work on the Aqua Caliente Wash – the result will be a mess downstream. This would be the Woodland Bear Canyon – Castle Rock, etc neighborhoods.”
— Concerned Resident
“I believe that there may be serious archeologist issues relative to this proposal and it may involve an attorney working with us to gather the ammo to stop the project to respect the substantial ancient village that has already been identified to this site.”
— Concerned Resident
“I remain stunned by reading the Hearing Examiner’s Decision yesterday! I am unable to see how he could have moved so completely away from his written Preliminary Decision from the December virtual hearing. The developer seems to have performed some sort of miracle to have the Examiner, in effect, change the wording of the BCNP by saying he approves the rezoning before the flooding issues are resolved. The Plan language as written does not, in my opinion, permit this.”
— Concerned Resident
“Specifically Houghton Tanque Verde intersection – will cause them huge problems going forward now that Bonanza is closed, putting in 190 new rental units potentially and adding a hotel, condos, and future development.”
— Concerned Resident
“Rezoning and developing will change the whole nature of this area all along the ACW.”
— Concerned Resident
“ HOA’s may benefit from our standing up to the City as it tries to forever change the rural nature of the Tanque Verde Valley.”
— Concerned Resident
“This turn around does not pass my smell test at all! In my view, there was no new testimony given at the Reconsideration Hearing on flood resolution or home density. Both of these items were highlighted by Mr. Iurino in his first decision. The fact that concessions on Bonanza are offered up are nice, but hardly worth trading for 179 rental units next door. This will change the character of our neighborhood big time.”
— Concerned Resident