County opposes city water for project by Tucson Mts.

Though the county approved zoning for 260 homes on 287 scenic acres in the Painted Hills, the developer cannot begin work until it establishes a water source. Tucson Water has no obligation to provide water outside the city limits and outside its existing non-city service area.

The landowner, the Dallas city firefighters' pension fund, is seeking city annexation, said Keri Silvyn, the fund's Tucson attorney.

Development plans situate the homes away from the peaks and would preserve 200 acres as open space, Silvyn said. The county would like to buy the property for open space using funds set aside in the 1997 and 2004 bond programs, said Richard Elías, the county supervisor who represents the area.

Pima County can't buy the land unless the owner is interested in selling, but the owner is obligated to make money for the retirement fund, and plans to develop to do so, Silvyn said.

The Tucson Mountains Association and the Gates Pass Area Neighborhood Association have opposed development on the site, between Anklam Road and Speedway, adjacent to the western city limits.

"We are very concerned about sensitive environmental areas on the Painted Hills property, including wildlife corridors, mature saguaros, important riparian areas, and peaks and ridges," said Ed Verburg, Tucson Mountains Association president.

Meanwhile, the owner has filed a claim against the city for $46.25 million, said City Attorney Mike Rankin. The claim seeks the money to make up for lost value in undeveloped land and associated development expenses, Rankin said.

"We haven't agreed to provide water, but if it's in the city we'd have to give them water, so annexation is part of the discussion," though the formal process hasn't begun, Rankin said.

Elías plans to ask the Board of Supervisors during its regular meeting today to oppose any annexation efforts.

"We would love to buy Painted Hills," he said.

Contact reporter Andrea Kelly at 807-7790 or akelly@azstarnet.com