A plan from Urbaneer Investment Partners to develop 120 two-story homes and 210 apartments in seven buildings on the former site of Quail Canyon Golf Course is encountering opposition from some area residents.
The proposal would redevelop approximately 53 acres on Oracle Road between River and Rudasill roads. The apartments would be placed on the west side of the property near existing hotel and restaurant spaces. The property’s east side would see the single-family offerings, nearest to existing homes.
The site is currently zoned for 1.2 houses/acre. Urbaneer is seeking a rezoning to allow the higher densities.
Approximately 100 people – many from the nearby Oracle Foothills Neighborhood Association – attended a recent neighborhood meeting with UIP representatives to express concerns about potential harm to desert plants and wildlife, as well as increases in traffic, light and noise resulting from the higher density.
Project representatives with law firm Lazarus & Silvyn explained their plan maintains approximately 50% open space as an amenity and that the development will repurpose a vacant golf course rather than building on a natural desert area. They also pointed out it is less environmentally disruptive to build on an infill site than to expand the development footprint into new areas.
Additional talks are planned, and the rezoning request is expected to go to Pima County for consideration in July. (Source)
