Santa Cruz County Update continued...
Tubac’s Historic Zone includes roughly most of the area where shops are located from Bridge Road on the north to the Tubac Wash on the south, and from the East Frontage Road to the east edge of the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park. Some residential areas are excluded.
Returning members with new two-year terms are Gail Ballweber, Mindy Maddock and David Simons. The second year of their term continues for Jane Lowder, Barbara Gray and Lincoln Wilson. Mary Dahl, the county’s community development director, said no one else applied for the three open positions. A notice ran in the December 2010 Tubac Villager about the openings.
The board reviews development and design plans involving the erection or construction of new buildings, structures or signs in the zone. Also the modification, addition, alteration, moving or demolition of existing structures or signs located within the zone. All meetings of the advisory board are public but meetings have not been held on a specific schedule. For information, call Dahl at (520) 375-7930.
unpAid tAXes Affect lOcAl districts
Unpaid property taxes on nearly 2,400 vacant lots in Rio Rico affect the budgets of local taxing districts such as the Tubac Fire District and Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35.
If the taxes are paid, those agencies would receive substantial funds. Currently, the property owners, an Arizona limited liability corporation called Vateré, owe about $6.5 million to Santa Cruz County, which would also receive a percentage along with the Rio Rico Fire District.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has not yet determined what to do about the situation even though the issue has been discussed often. At a Feb. 23 meeting, the board voted to ask the school district and two fire districts to help remove the deed restrictions. The board didn’t specify what it meant by help, however.
The deed restrictions state that homes or other structures can’t be built on the lots. The county has given indications that if the restrictions are removed, the lots would become more valuable. After that, the supervisors could consider approving foreclosure action on the lots.
Art & the AnimAl Tubac Art Walk • March 26, 2011
Jay Moyes, a Phoenix attorney who is a member of the board of Vateré LLC, did not return a request for comment by press deadline.
niXle GiVes
free sAfety updAtes
The Tubac Fire District helps administer a free notification system of public safety information. Mike Lindsey, communications specialist for the district, said anyone is invited to register for the service.
Lindsey posts frequent updates on severe weather, on brush fires, and on major traffic accidents, among other topics. Emergency alerts can also be distributed. The service began in the Tubac area about 18 months ago, he said.
Nicholas Wilso WilsoN Dog Days gouache 11”h x 14”w
Rebecca Tobey Oh Give Me A Home ceramic 15”h x 11”w x 5”d
Individuals can receive the updates through their email, as a text on their cell phone, and by visiting the web site. To register, visit www.nixle.com. Lindsey said the information requested for registration is kept confidential. For information, call him at (480) 200-2682.
VOlunteers inVited At MissiOn
The Tumacácori National Historical Park, home to a mission church, museum, visitors’ center and historic orchard, is hoping to welcome volunteers.
NicholAs WilsoN RebeccA Tobey Showing the diversity of interpretation for the fauna of the desert Southwest. Meet the Artists 1:00PM - 4:00PM
Lisa Carrico, park superintendent, said a group called “Friends of Tumacácori” needs board members and new volunteers. Anyone who would like more information can call the park, which is five miles south of Tubac, at (520) 398-2341. Carrico’s extension is 52. (Reach the writer at kathleenvan@msn.com)
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Catalog Available Upon Request