This week, Marana’s Town Council agreed to approve the rezoning of 205 acres on the west side of Interstate 10 at Marana Road for what’s being billed as “Uptown for Marana.” This new uptown plan is unconventional for Marana developments because it includes mixed-use areas that will intertwine commercial and residential developments. Uptown will be unlike anything that currently exists in Marana, and I, for one, as a Marana resident, am excited about the change. All the other new major residential developments, such as Gladden Farms, Continental Ranch, Continental Reserve, and Dove Mountain all feel very similar to me, although each has its own identity. I think Marana is definitely taking the right step to mix up the normal development. In my opinion, the location for this new mixed-use development could not be better because there is much land available to develop around this new Uptown project. The proximity of I-10 will make it a very alluring location for many companies looking to establish a business presence in Marana.

Rancho Sahuarita is becoming (if it’s not already) one of the best values for overall communities in the Tucson area. Every time I sell a property in Rancho Sahuarita, I am amazed at how much better the community has become. The community offers many amenities for all age levels. Rancho Sahuarita offers a fitness center, Olympic sized pools, spas, a lake stocked with fish year round, several satellite pools, and parks. Home prices are very reasonable, and the community offers a wide range of builders to purchase from, floor plans, and neighborhoods to choose from.

I wanted to post about the new FEMA flood maps that will go into effect in September of 2008. The new maps place a majority of Marana in a floodplain which will affect homeowners who will be required to purchase flood insurance. Town officials do not agree with the new maps, stating that FEMA used out-of-date information when making the update. They are fighting the decision. According to Rodney Campbell (the Marana Public Information Officer), “The town is very disappointed with the mapping.”