TUCSON, Ariz. - A group dubbed "Save Saguaro National Park" is opposing a proposed resort development near the park.
“There is only Saguaro National Park in the world, we can’t move it. The bike ranch can be built anywhere,” said Connie Franz, Resident.
According to a press release issued by the group, a proposed high-density commercial development near the entrance to Saguaro National Park East, the development would have "negative impact on traffic, vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, lights, sewage, garbage, pavement, runoff, noise, and crime and will degrade wildlife habitat and corridors, not to mention the unintended consequences that we know result from any changes to the environment, particularly in the desert."
El Cortijo LLC has applied for a permit to build a 19-acre resort and a bike ranch near the park, saying the proposed resort would attract visitors and help the park.
The current zoning is low density "Suburban Ranch" or one dwelling per 3.3 acres. The proposed resort would put 18 two-story buildings plus accessory structures (restaurant, bar, lobby, parking, swimming pool) on 13.41 acres.
The plans on the submitted conditional use permit can be seen here.
The "Save Saguaro National Park" group will gather at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Saguaro Buttes Community Church, 5825 S. Old Spanish Trail and also plans to demonstrate at a Pima County Planning Department hearing at 1 p.m. April 4 at 130 W. Congress Street.
This development would set a precedent that could open the door to any developer who buys up ten or more acres anywhere in the buffer zone and applies to build another high-density, commercial enterprise. ~ Save Saguaro National Park
The public is encouraged to join the meeting and participate at the demonstration. For those unable to attend, the group asks that you mail or email protest letters with this reference number: P19CU00005 El Cortijo, LLC to the Pima County Senior Planner and Supervisor Steve Christy.
Nicholas Coussoulis, Senior Planner
Pima County Development Services
201 N. Stone Avenue, 2nd Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 724-9000
Nicholas.Coussoulis@pima.gov
Supervisor Steve Christy
130 W. Congress 11th Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 724-8094
district4@pima.gov
The group has established social media pages on Facebook and Twitter for those wishing to follow the campaign's progress.
