ARIZONA DAILY STAR: Thurs., March 13, 2008

OV Council starts general-plan process

By Lourdes Medrano

The Oro Valley Town Council last week voted 6-1 to initiate a general plan amendment process to accommodate a proposed development on nearby state trust land. The move paves the way for the town's potential annexation of the planned 14-square-mile Arroyo Grande, which would include homes, businesses and possibly even a resort north of Oro Valley, just west of North Oracle Road and south of the Pinal County border.

Councilwoman Paula Abbott was the lone dissenter. She said the action was premature and questioned her colleagues' commitment to protecting environmentally sensitive areas.

The proposed 15,900-home development would make way for about 38,000 residents next to unincorporated Catalina, where about 8,900 people live and opposition is strong. In previous public meetings where State Land Department representatives have outlined the scope of its 9,100-acre development, residents of Oro Valley and Catalina have aired concerns about the potential impact on water, wildlife corridors and infrastructure.

FULL STORY: http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/229182