Save Pima Wash
The former Quail Canyon Golf Course, located in Pima Wash has been purchased by a California-based developer.
They plan to build 120 2-story homes and 7 3-story apartment buildings (total 210 units) on 30 acres of the 53 acre property.
Why is this a problem?
Negative Impact on
Important Riparian Area
The proposed development will be located inside Pima Wash, which starts in the Catalina Mountains and flows to the Rillito River. Pima Wash is a designated Important Riparian Area providing critical habitat for Sonoran Desert plant and animal species. Saguaro (a protected cactus), barrel cactus, cholla, mesquite, palo verde and other native plants depend on the resources found in this riparian area. Javelinas, bobcats, coyotes, jackrabbits, and numerous types of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds depend upon the water, food and protection provided by the wash, and many species use Pima Wash as a corridor between the mountains and the river.
Although rare, larger mammals such as mountain lions, deer and bear may also travel the wash in their search for food and water, particularly during droughts or following forest fires in the mountains. The construction, human activity and high density of the proposed houses and apartments will negatively impact this critical habitat. In addition to permanent damage to the riparian area, the human activity may drive more wildlife (javelina, coyote, rattlesnakes, bobcats, etc.) into existing neighborhoods.
Proposed Density is Too High
The proposed development will be located inside Pima Wash, which starts in the Catalina Mountains and flows to the Rillito River. Pima Wash is a designated Important Riparian Area providing critical habitat for Sonoran Desert plant and animal species. Saguaro (a protected cactus), barrel cactus, cholla, mesquite, palo verde and other native plants depend on the resources found in this riparian area. Javelinas, bobcats, coyotes, jackrabbits, and numerous types of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds depend upon the water, food and protection provided by the wash, and many species use Pima Wash as a corridor between the mountains and the river.
Safety Issues on Rudasill Road
The developer has not secured permission from the Arizona Department of Transportation to use Oracle Road (a state route) for egress/ingress to the proposed development. Residents in Oracle Foothills, Pima Hollow and Casa Blanca Villas, as well as residents on Rudasill Road between 1st and Oracle are opposed to the use of Rudasill to enter or exit this high-density development because it will create unsafe traffic conditions. Rudasill is narrow, has steep hills, sharp turns, and blind spots. Unless the road is significantly improved (there are no sidewalks and the shoulder is very small), safety for walkers and bicyclists will be degraded. Increased traffic on Rudasill will also create issues for residents in the area who can only access their streets and driveways from Rudasill. It can be very challenging for residents to turn on to Rudasill because of the limited line of sight in some spots. Additional traffic from the development will create additional safety issues.
Rudasill/Oracle Road Intersection
Increased traffic to and from the proposed development will result in significant congestion and long lines of traffic waiting to turn onto Rudasill and south from Rudasill onto Oracle because the proposed egress/ingress is very close to the intersection on Oracle. The proximity to the light at the intersection likely means that there will be no traffic light installed for the development.
Flooding Issues (Road)
Particularly during our annual monsoon season, Pima Wash floods, with water coming down from the Catalina mountains. As a result, flash floods occur in this section of Pima Wash even if it is not raining here. The area is currently a designated flood zone. Rudasill Road crosses the wash and water, sand and debris make the low spot unsafe for vehicles. Additionally, there is significant erosion next to the low spot on Rudasill where the flood waters flow. When the road is closed due to flooding, traffic exiting the development will only be able to go to Oracle, further increasing congestion and traffic issues.
Flooding Issues (Upstream and Downstream)
Redirecting or building a channel for flood water through a high-density development may result in unintended consequences up- and downstream. It is uncertain if the developers have taken this into consideration.
Water Conservation
Adding 330 new households will dramatically increase water usage (toilets, bathing, irrigation, etc.). Unincorporated Pima County has recently experienced a substantial increase in water rates. In light of climate issues, the scarcity of water resources and the ongoing drought, is this wise?
Neighborhood – Quality of Life Issues
The neighborhoods adjacent to the proposed develop are generally quiet and the roads (other than Rudasill Road) have little traffic. The existing homes that border the proposed development will have significantly reduced privacy due to the height of the proposed buildings, and the noise level will be greatly increased due to cars and alarms, leaf blowers used for landscaping, trash pickup, construction, and other human activity) as well as increased light pollution. These existing homes bordering the development will also overlook 120 roofs, 7 apartment buildings and roads. These factors will impair the ability of existing residents to experience the peaceful enjoyment of their property