Marana panel backs reopening of Scenic Drive

The development agreement approved this week for recommendation to Town Council stated that the reopened Scenic Drive, which runs north to south along the east of the Lazy K Bar Guest Ranch, would be 24 feet wide with a 25-mph speed limit, have up to three landscape traffic islands, use decomposed granite and accommodate a natural meandering path.

A Canadian development company looking to build the subdivision would be responsible for paying the full cost of the construction of Scenic Drive in advance, if the council approves the development in an upcoming meeting. Over time, the company would be reimbursed for 40 percent of the cost.

The plan proposed at the hearing was a compromise for the developer and the residents who opposed the reopening of Scenic Drive and the subdivision. The developer originally proposed a 28-foot reconstructed road. Residents worried about traffic increase and disturbance to wildlife and sensitive vegetation in the area.

Barbara Rose, a Scenic Drive resident of 30 years, said in an interview that when the road used to be open, neighbors witnessed a lot more road kill. Because of its environmentally sensitive location, near Saguaro National Park and the Tucson and Tortolita mountains, she said her concerns are for the wildlife corridor and the animals’ ability to move across the property.

“We have a responsibility as a community and the town or the jurisdiction has the responsibility to help development go in a direction that won’t destroy the things that we value,” she said.

Pat Lopez, an attorney representing some of the residents opposed to the development of Lazy K, said in an interview that one of the things the residents want is for the company to “be sensitive to the manner in which Scenic Drive reopens.” The group he is representing requested a reduction in width, installation of traffic-calming features and a pedestrian path.

“A number of our concerns have been addressed,” he said at the meeting. But Lopez, who presented a second opposition letter to the commission, also voiced concerns about the density of the proposed development.

No one who is concerned about the development is demanding that the ranch owners’ property rights be diminished, he said. They have the right to make a profit with their property. Development would likely happen, he said.

The developer worked with neighbors and the town to reach a consensus on the conditions of Scenic Drive if it reopens, said Michael Racy, a public relations specialist who represents the developer.

The vote to recommend the development came after an Aug. 27 hearing at which the commission voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning of the area. Dozens of residents spoke against the development at that time, citing harm to the environment and landscape.

There will be no revisiting the rezoning from the planning commission, said Ryan Mahoney, the town’s planning director.

The Town Council is scheduled to vote on the Lazy K development plan on Oct. 7.