For Star subscribers: Special exceptions that will go before the Tucson City Council may allow controversial overhead power lines in some parts of the city.
David Wichner Tucson Electric Power may be able to install at least parts of a proposed high-voltage transmission line overhead through much of central Tucson, under amendments to the city building code approved by the Tucson Planning Commission.
People are also reading… TEP says the new line is needed to increase capacity and reliability amid growing demand and to serve the University of Arizona, which has agreed to buy 100% renewable power from the utility. TEP’s proposed transmission line route ran afoul of a general prohibition on overhead transmission lines along scenic and gateway corridors, which include North Campbell as a Gateway Corridor.
The code amendments, initially developed by city staff with input from TEP, were amended after stakeholders including neighborhood advocates said they would essentially gut the overhead-line protections by giving the utility too much leeway in meeting the required criteria. The development-code amendments are expected to be presented to mayor and council at its July 12 meeting, said Dan Bursuck, section manager for code development for the Tucson Planning and Development Services Department.
Lesser of two evilsSeveral planning commission members expressed deep misgivings over TEP’s plans and the proposed amendment package, which was adopted with the minimum number of votes needed for passage. “The city is looking more and more not like our little adobe home here, it’s looking like an industrial area,” Zegeer said. “Especially down Campbell Avenue there are a lot of historic districts, the University of Arizona and a lot of businesses along there... there should not be huge transmission poles running down that part of Campbell.”
The current process for relief from the code involves requesting a zoning variance, which is reviewed by the city’s Board of Adjustment and subject to appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court. Commission member Jay Young of Ward 5 said he was against giving TEP dispensation to build overhead lines in the city’s scenic and gateway corridors and criticized the utility for pushing for a variance “behind closed doors.”
Österreich Neuesten Nachrichten, Österreich Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Tucson opens phone line for homeless helpThe City of Tucson has a new resource to help homeless people—or people concerned about homeless issues. Folks can call the helpline 24 hours a day.
Weiterlesen »
Photos: Tucson Fire Department fights a two-alarm fire at 7th Avenue and Sahuaro StreetTFD units fought a fire in a salvage yard near the corner of 7th Avenue and Grant, June 15, 2022. Firefighters had to contend with flames in empty vehicles, exploding propane tanks and burning magnesium to bring the blaze under…
Weiterlesen »
5 garden styles that work in the Tucson desertAre you designing (or re-designing) your garden? Here are a few design styles that will work great in our Tucson climate.
Weiterlesen »
He's back: FC Tucson signs club legend, MLS veteran Donny Toia for rest of seasonFC Tucson is looking for a spark after starting the season 2-6-1 and falling into last place in the 11-team USL League One.
Weiterlesen »