Development News for Marana, Arizona

Marana Development Update: No New Applications, Ongoing Construction Progress

The Marana Town Council received an update on development projects. No new development applications were received in the past month. Projects under construction are continuing to progress. Development services are averaging two to three pre-application meetings per week, indicating ongoing due diligence for potential future projects. Residential projects like Monarch Mandarina and Cypress Gardens are underway. Five commercial permits were issued, including one new retail, one remodel, and three commercial remodels, along with one industrial remodel. Seventy-eight residential permits were issued in May, a slight decrease from the previous month. No new multi-family development applications were received. Phase one of a project (potentially Cypress Gardens based on context) has punch list items remaining but has shown progress.

Marana Council Addresses Detention Center, Data Center Concerns, Public Works, and Legislative Updates

During the Call to the Public segment, a resident expressed concerns on behalf of DFLOC Tucson regarding the Marana Detention Center and surveillance of residents. The speaker urged the town to oppose the ICE facility, citing resolutions adopted by Tucson City Council and Pima County, and actions by federal representatives. Another speaker raised concerns about a data center project, questioning the decommissioning plan's financial guarantee, and highlighting significant undisclosed power demands. Kevin O'Leary was mentioned in relation to a data center project in Utah, with claims of misinformation campaigns against such developments. A third speaker addressed common concerns about data centers, suggesting water recycling and air cooling methods reduce water usage, and noted that data centers may be required to produce their own electricity, referencing a statement by President Trump. Concerns about RF emissions were also briefly mentioned. Later, during Council reports, Councilmember Kavanaugh praised Marana Public Works employees for cleaning bridge railings and noted the busy Marana Aquatics and Recreation Center. Councilmember Murphy congratulated graduates and mentioned the last Cobra race for the summer. Councilmember Kai and others toured the Tucson Airport, observing runway construction and fire trucks. Vice Mayor reported on hosting USDA Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and SBA Director Loeffler. Mr. Rosamond provided updates on permits, recreational pool attendance, concerts, and the Dining Discover program. He also reported on legislative updates, including the status of bills related to CFDs, HOAs, LPRs, data centers, and exactions. During the LPR discussion, it was clarified that the technology is used by the police department for crime investigation and that the town owns the data, differentiating it from FLOC systems.

Marana Council Reviews Legislative Updates and Clarifies LPR Technology Use

The Town Council received an update on pending state, federal, and local legislation. House Bill 2999 (dealing with CFDs) has passed both houses and is with the governor; the town opposed it but anticipates she will sign it. Senate Bill 1431 (prohibiting municipalities from requiring HOAs) has seen no movement, and the town opposed it. House Bill 2917 (outlawing LPRs) is also not moving; the town opposed it and relies on LPR technology. House Bill 2873 (regarding referendums on data centers) was skipped from the House floor and its status is unknown, though it has passed the Senate. Senate Bill 1787 (on exactions) was vetoed by the governor. The council also discussed the use and capabilities of License Plate Readers (LPRs), clarifying that Marana owns the data, it is used for investigating crimes upon query, and alerts are sent to officers for apprehension efforts. LPRs are considered effective by the police department and distinct from FLOC systems.