Oro Valley's Conceptual Design Review Board amended a master sign program and approved architectural designs and public art for a proposed fast-food restaurant in its first meeting last week.
The board formed this year to replace the Design Review Board and the Art Review Commission.
The new board reviews conceptual site design, architecture and public art proposals for developments.
Members received four training sessions to prepare for their duties, said David Williams, the town's planning division manager.
The volunteer board meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, and if required, the fourth Tuesday. It consists of nine Oro Valley residents:
• Gil Alexander, a retired engineer
• David Atler, a civil engineer
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• Nathan Basken, a scientist at Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
• Rachel Childers, a University of Arizona art history major
• Kit Donley, a real estate broker/developer
• Richard Eggerding, a retired insurance executive
• Harold Linton, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who also worked at a local aerospace company as a senior systems engineer
• Richard Luckett, an architect who is vice chairman of the board
• Dino Sakellar, an architect who is chairman of the board
"It's a wonderful board of really talented people," Eggerding said.
Eggerding co-founded the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council, which is now the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, and also helped write Oro Valley's public art code.
He sought a seat on the board to advocate for public art.
Luckett served on the town's Design Review Board.
That board reviewed plans later in the development process. It was difficult to ask a developer to make changes when construction was about to begin, Luckett said.
The new board looks at plans early in the design phase to make the process more efficient, Williams said.
"We're able to suggest changes to turn a project into a much better project for the town," Luckett said.
Alexander, who is president of La Cholla Airpark, said serving on the board puts him in a unique position.
"I saw it as a good opportunity to have an input in keeping Oro Valley different and more pleasant from other towns," he said.
At its first meeting, on July 26, the board recommended approving an amendment to the master sign program for the Steam Pump Village development to allow for an 8-foot-tall fuel sign. The sign will be at a QuikTrip gas station.
The board makes recommendations to the town council, which has the final say.
The board also recommended approving architectural designs and a public art proposal for a Taco Bell at the corner of North Oracle Road and North First Avenue.
if you go
• What: Oro Valley Conceptual Design Review Board meeting
• When: 6 p.m. Tuesday
• Where: Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive
• Etc.: Go to www.orovalleyaz.gov to view agendas for meetings.
Contact reporter Andrea Rivera at arivera@azstarnet.com or 807-8430.
