News
June 2009 We Did It! The Board of Adjustments upheld the ruling of Pima County Development Services, Chief Zoning Inspector, Tina Whittemore that denies the building permits at the Fazio property. What a turnout! Thank you to all that were able to attend the Board of Adjustments hearing, those who wrote letters, and all that have been supportive through this long battle. For those who were unable to attend here’s what you missed: The meeting was scheduled to begin at 11. There was one other issue on their agenda so that was resolved in less than thirty minutes. There was a brief recess. When the meeting was called to order the appeal was read by a member of the staff. Then Tina Whittemore went through her request as to why the board should uphold her ruling. Then it was Fazio’s turn for his appeal. Fazio spoke for roughly an hour and a half! (For those that were unable to attend I must insert my opinion here. Fazio seemed to be trying to make a point that he has spoken with national legal entities that are ready to sue for religious persecution. As Fazio quoted scripture, spoke about his counseling experiences, and lengthy career he managed to criticize Mrs. Whittemore and attack her personally. One of his comments questioned her capability of understanding by suggesting if she were “one pay-scale higher” she would understand. How could a man of God verbally attack a woman like this? I had to mention this because Fazio made a few verbal personal jabs at her. I felt this was unnecessary and thought those who were not able to attend, or stay for the 4.5 hour meeting, should know what type of attitude Fazio was giving the board.) After Fazio’s long appeal there was a brief recess. Then, the floor was opened to others that wanted to speak on behalf of the Fazio’s. Silence… no one was there to VOICE their support for his BUSINESS plan! Then came the SAVETANQUEVERDEVALLEY.ORG group. We were able to show the infamous Inside Arizona Business Spotlight interview of the Fazio’s. Heather, Murray, Diana, Ken, Karen, Kevin, and Patti spoke on our behalf. We were also joined by Suzie Goode, representing the Tanque Verde Valley Association, Steve Brennan, owner of La Mariposa. We had a special guest, Jose Rincon, who spoke about how he and his family have had a tragedy in losing their son to a drunk driver. Many were brought to tears listening to his story. Then came the rebuttal by Fazio. After a few questions from the board for Fazio the board took a few moments then came the motion to uphold Mrs. Whittemore’s original ruling. WE DID IT!
May 2009
Fazio submitted his request for a hearing with the Pima County Board of Adjustments. This hearing is Fazio's chance to get the decision of Pima County Development Services reversed.
The Pima County Board of Adjustment will consider Fazio's zoning appeal on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 11am. The meeting will be at:
Pima County Public Works Building
201 N. Stone Avenue
Basement Level, Room C
Please come and show your support for your community and the County Planning and Zoning Department! This Board of Adjustment Hearing is the last opportunity for public input before the issue resorts to legal channels. Your presence is important!
Anyone unable to attend the BOA meeting in person is strongly encouraged to express their opposition to this development in writing – please fax to 623-5411, attention to Celia Turner, or
mail to:
Pima County Development Services Planning Division
Attn: Celia Turner
201 N. Stone, 2nd Floor
Tucson, AZ 85701
savetanqueverde@yahoo.com
April 2009
What a wonderful gathering of community support. Thank you to everyone who helped, donated, and came by for support.
Save Tanque Verde Community Events
Benefiting the SAVETANQUEVERDE.ORG Legal Fund
Free Benefit Concert & Bake
When: Saturday, April 4,
Where:
Community Rummage Sale
When: Sunday, April 5,
Where:
March 2009
it was good to see new faces at the March 3 meeting. We are glad to see the word is getting out to many community members. Not much has changed since our last meeting. We are in a bit of a holding pattern.
Thank you to the community for all the support.
January 2009
Pima County Development Services Department stated:
"…the proposed primary use of the subject property does not appear to be that of a church, but of an event center."
January 8: Mr. Fabio turned some information in to the Pima County DSD, and it is being evaluated.
January 6: A thorough summary of our meeting with Mr. Fazio was presented. The ball is currently in Mr. Fazio's hands - Pima County DSD has requested more information from him.
We also presented some colorful area history as provided by a neighbor of ours who was born in the house he currently lives in and has lived here all his life (84 years).
We met with Mr. Fazio to discuss his plans and the neighborhood concerns. More information about this meeting will be provided at our next meeting.
November 2008 Meeting Summary
Our special guest Tina Whittemore, Chief Zoning Inspector for Pima County Development Services Department, addressed the group of about 40 neighbors and answered questions. In summary, Mr. Fazio needs to provide evidence to DSD that he is a church, and that his primary use of the Mesquite Chapel site will be as a church.
October 2008 Meeting Summary
Honorable Ray Carroll, Pima County Supervisor for District 4 addressed a crowd of 125 neighbors and voiced his opposition of business in residential neighborhood.
Rummage & Bake Sale
Saturday, Oct. 3rd,
8am - 3pm