Bear Canyon Neighborhood Association voices strong opposition to La Mariposa rezoning plans

In the heart of Tucson, the city council meeting on March 18, 2025, unfolded under the watchful gaze of concerned residents, as voices rose in opposition to a proposed rezoning project known as the Casita Village of La Mariposa. The atmosphere was charged with urgency, as nearly 20 speakers lined up to express their fears about flooding, environmental degradation, and the potential impacts on their community.

The meeting began with a call for brevity, as the council faced a daunting agenda filled with public comments. Mayor and council members emphasized the importance of allowing every resident a chance to speak, urging those with similar sentiments to condense their remarks to ensure all voices were heard. This commitment to community engagement set the stage for a passionate discussion.

James Trego, representing the Tanque Verde Valley Association, was among the first to address the council. He articulated the group's opposition to the rezoning, highlighting concerns about the development's location in a floodplain and its potential to disrupt vital riparian habitats. Trego underscored the need for responsible development that prioritizes environmental integrity over profit, a sentiment echoed by many speakers throughout the evening.

Fawn Latour, a past president of the Bear Canyon Neighborhood Association, passionately criticized the council for overlooking historical precedents that had previously denied similar developments due to flooding concerns. She described the proposal as a "sham," pointing to alleged discrepancies in flood studies and a lack of meaningful dialogue with the community. Latour's remarks resonated with residents who shared personal accounts of flooding that had impacted their homes and livelihoods.

As the evening progressed, speakers painted a vivid picture of the dangers posed by the proposed development. Many recounted harrowing experiences with flooding, detailing how their properties had been inundated during past storms. Catherine Karsh shared a near-drowning incident, while others described the chaos of floodwaters rushing through their neighborhoods. Their stories underscored a collective fear that the La Mariposa project would exacerbate existing flooding issues, putting lives and properties at risk.

Hydrologists and engineers also weighed in, emphasizing the inadequacies of current flood modeling and the potential for increased flooding due to climate change. Dr. Brian Wallen, a hydrologist hired by the Bear Canyon Neighborhood Association, warned that the proposed development could lead to higher water levels and velocities, further endangering the community.

The council members listened intently, but the tension in the room was palpable as residents demanded accountability and transparency from their elected officials. Many expressed frustration over what they perceived as a lack of responsiveness from the city regarding their concerns.

As the meeting drew to a close, the message was clear: the residents of Tucson were united in their opposition to the La Mariposa development, advocating for a future that prioritizes safety, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. The council now faces the challenge of balancing development needs with the voices of those they represent, as the fate of the proposed project hangs in the balance.