Oro Valley church advocates for development plan to benefit community welfare

In the heart of Oro Valley, a passionate discussion unfolded during the Town Council Regular Session on April 2, 2025, as community members voiced their support for a local church's development plans. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as residents gathered to express their hopes for a project they believe will enhance the community.

Olivia Hahn, a member of the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN), took to the podium, sharing heartfelt sentiments about the church's positive impact on the community. "If you knew the church and the people of the church like I do, you would welcome this," she urged the council, emphasizing the church's role in touching lives and fostering connections beyond its immediate neighborhood. Hahn's plea was clear: she wanted the council to recognize the church's contributions and support its development plans, which include a height increase for their property.

The discussion took a turn as Hahn expressed concern over what she perceived as resistance from some council members. "Don't use this hype vote as a lever to sabotage the project," she cautioned, urging for a collaborative approach to reach a compromise that would benefit the entire community. Her words resonated with many in attendance, who echoed her desire for the council to affirm the church's mission rather than merely tolerate its presence.

As the meeting progressed, the council heard from other supporters, including Vicki Terrace, who highlighted the church's outreach efforts and the need for greater awareness among neighbors about the positive changes the church brings. "We want our neighbors to affirm and celebrate who we are and what we do," she stated, reinforcing the call for community unity.

The council's deliberations on the church's development plans reflect broader themes of community engagement and the importance of local institutions in fostering a sense of belonging. As the session concluded, the future of the OVCN project remained uncertain, but the voices of its supporters echoed a hopeful vision for Oro Valley—a place where faith and community can thrive together.