December 2024 News
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! We hope you are having a great holiday season. We have a lot of news for you this month.
First, it is with deep gratitude that the Board of Directors of the TVVA acknowledges the significant contributions and donations made to us this year, as recognition of our value in the community. These funds will enable new initiatives, programs, and enhancements to our work for the Tanque Verde Valley and Eastside of Tucson. We sincerely thank you for your generosity.
Next, our General Public Meeting on November 12 was a huge success. A summary of the meeting and presentations can be found here.
Updates on local projects and proposals:
1. The preliminary draft of the Plan Tucson 2025 General Plan Update is now available for public review and feedback. Join the Plan Tucson Team for a Virtual Kickoff Event:
When: Thursday, December 19, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Online via Zoom
Register Here
During this event, you’ll get an overview of the draft plan, have the chance to ask questions, and learn how to provide your feedback this winter. Plan Tucson 2025 is a comprehensive 10-year strategy for guiding Tucson’s growth and development. It addresses key areas such as environmental planning, cultural heritage, land use, transportation, parks, safety, economic development, water resources, and housing. For more information, click Here.
2. Casita Village at La Mariposa and integration with the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan.
In 2001, the Pima County Board of Supervisors updated the Pima County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, integrating the land-use policies and principles of conservation developed in the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (SDCP; The Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan), including the Conservation Lands System (CLS; About the Conservation Lands System). The CLS identifies lands necessary to achieve SDCP biological goals, while delineating areas suitable for development. The CLS covers approximately 2 million acres in eastern Pima County.
The land being proposed for Casita Village at La Mariposa is wholly within a SDCP Area of High Biological Significance because of its proximity to both the Agua Caliente Wash and Tanque Verde Creek. It is also designated as an acquisition priority by the SDCP for Community Open Space, is a Flood Control Resource Area, an Important Riparian area with 95% open space set-aside, and Biological Core with 80% open space set-aside.
The City of Tucson General Plan Policy states that the County CLS guidelines will be adopted in annexations. We can remind the City of Tucson Mayor and Council of this policy and urge them to follow the guidelines regarding the proposed development at Casita Village at La Mariposa.