Tucson City Council has voted to annex approximately 300 acres across three parcels adjacent to a planned 2,000-acre industrial development near Vail.
The annexation was necessary before any zoning considerations can move forward and was passed on a 5-1 vote.
Some residents and officials with Acacia Elementary School, as well as some members of Council, expressed concern about the annexation and the planned development.
Councilmember Steve Kozachik, who voted against the measure, said some residents were left out of the annexation and would not have any say in the matter. He also expressed concerns about potential impacts large-scale industrial uses could have on area water supplies.
The parcels comprise 129.8 acres, 137.2 acres and 34.9 acres. The 137-acre parcel is adjacent to Acacia Elementary School but does not include the school, itself. Concerned parents and school officials expressed worry as to the potential health and safety impacts of industrial uses on students.
Other concerns presented to Council included impacts on traffic and on area wildlife.
Project representatives and supporters of Council said residents will be included in meetings during the public outreach period and during the rezoning process where they can make their concerns known before any development moves forward. (Source)