What: Marana Town Council Public Hearing-Make Marana 2040 General Plan
Where: Marana Municipal Complex (Council Chambers)
11555 W. Civic Center Drive
Marana AZ 85653
Date: 12/10/19 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00 PM
Thanks again to everyone for your support and attendance at the 11/20/19 Planning Commission Meeting. Our work is not done and we request your attendance at the 12/10/19 Town Council Hearing regarding the Make Marana 2040 General Plan.
Please fill out a speaker’s card and submit to the clerk. You will have 3 minutes to speak. It is suggested that you be passionate but cordial.
The Tortolita Alliance Core Team has been in communication with representatives from the Town of Marana in the last few days and there is a good possibility that some of the key talking points (primarily 4 & 6) below will be adequately addressed by the Town at the Hearing. If that does happen before or during the public comment period, we suggest that we express thanks (Core Team will take the lead) and limit or waive public comment.
Just in case, here are some recommended talking points:
Give your name, address and mention you support the Tortolita Alliance.
Describe the importance of the Tortolita Preserve to you, e.g. hiking, biking, open space, wildlife, flora, watershed protection, public water supply protection, etc.
Thanks to the Planning Commission for putting the Tortolita Preserve back in the November Draft of the General Plan.
However, it is not clear if the Tortolita Preserve, shown in dark brown, is still part of the Special Planning Area, shown in light brown on Figure 2-3. Why is the Tortolita Preserve not colored Green for “Open Space/Park” like the Tortolita Mountain Park. Please make it clear that the existing Tortolita Preserve is not part of a Special Planning Area.
The General Plan recommends the development of a Water Master Plan in the future. Colorado River supply issues and existing pollution of Marana’s aquifers dictate that the Water Master Plan should be done immediately. In the arid southwest, water will dictate the extent of growth and not visa versa.
Special Planning Areas should be removed from the General Plan entirely. As witnessed by the 885 Annexation on the eastern edge of Marana, the Special Planning Area designation is simply a scheme by the Arizona State Land Department to give developers a streamlined process with inadequate regard for its citizens, wildlife habitat, open space, watershed and compatible recreation.
Ask for the Wildlife Plan to be put on this year's goals.
Suggest strengthening existing environment and stormwater/ground water replenishment ordinances/policies.
Ask for more resident input regarding development in the earliest stages and throughout the development process. Many residents feel left out in the dark or have insufficient opportunities to help shape the town’s future.
There is time to defer Council approval until these critical improvements are made. We would then hopefully have a General Plan that can be supported.
Other comments you may have.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday night.
Thanks for all your help and support!