Draft Vista 2040 General Plan Input

Mentally Ill
Many mentally ill in our community are on the streets and cannot care for themselves. The community must assist them to get what they need. They need shelter for the evening or food, and assistance with any paperwork to get proper care. We have some facilities for the mentally ill, and the city needs to be more proactive in helping these people. It is time to allocate some funding for community outreach programs or work with local mental health facilities such as La Frontera to provide the necessary services for the mentally ill who are on the streets. We, the community, need to provide local transitional living facilities in Sierra Vista.

Homeless Help
Sierra Vista wastes a lot of money on “feel good” programs for the homeless. For example, when Sierra Vista received around $400,000.00 to help the homeless, they spent it on providing hotel rooms for a few nights for people. Instead, the city could have allocated that money to add a permanent shelter to existing homeless shelter facilities in town (e.g., Good Neighbor Alliance.) Our community needs to take care of those in our community and that is a partnership between the city and the community. The city should take the lead and start an action to “help our homeless get back on their feet.

Helping New Businesses
The city is notorious for working against new businesses by finding fault in their construction efforts. Sierra Vista must assign a single Point of Contact construction engineer or inspector to work with a new business and help them meet all the requirements for the Sierra Vista, the fire department, and any other departments. It is well-known the city literally “nickel-dimes” a business to where it costs them thousands of dollars more to get operational. The "friendly city" needs to be helpful, not detrimental to new businesses and new people.

Streets and sidewalks
Our streets and sidewalks are in terrible shape for a small community. The City’s resurfacing/replacement plan must be more aggressive. I see cracked sidewalks and broken curbs everywhere (do not use shoddy concrete workers). I recommend the city allocate ALL the unprogrammed sales tax revenues from external sources (online sales) to street and sidewalk repair, along with the programmed street repair funds.

I believe we need more vocational opportunities for thie students who are not going to college. A vote that offers cosmetology, vet tech, construction, masonry and such.

One thing I would like to see is if there could be air travel between Sierra Vista (Airport) and Phoenix (Sky Harbor), even if only a few times each month. There are those of us that choose Sky Harbor Airport because of many flights from there are Non Stop (direct flights); whereas Tucson airport has very little in the way of direct flights. It would make a big difference and be more convenient to have the option of flying from the Sierra Vista Airport, to Sky Harbor Airport, instead of having to drive all that way. Thank you!

I would love to see a rec center with gym space to hold volleyball/basketball tournaments and also a city league for both sports. I love all the changes that have been happening and look forward to seeing more!

New City buildings should be constructed of insulated concrete form, not only for its enhanced insulation/energy savings but for its better longevity and lower maintenance. Any new City buildings should not prohibit or impede the installation of solar panels, as was the case with the substation at 7th and BST. New buildings should have an east-west long axis, to allow the most solar panels, and an elevated north side to allow panels to face the sun (and provide a line of shaded parking!). Panduits for wiring should be built in. Note that solar equipment itself is a separate budget item but at least it won't be prohibited by unimaginative design. Any parking at new city buildings should face south, for ideal use of windshield shades.

Advocacy for the addition of additional mountain bike pump tracks, bicycle pump features, and drought-resistant trees within our wonderful city. Sierra Vista, with its stunning natural landscape and active community, is poised to become a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially mountain bikers.
Despite our population of approximately 45,000 residents, we currently have only one geographically isolated pump track located on the northern edge of town. Given the enthusiastic response to this track and the continued success of our Buena High School Mountain Bike Club, which clinched the state championship at Wren Arena, it is clear that there is a strong demand for more recreational opportunities like pump tracks in Sierra Vista.
One fantastic location for a new pump track could be in the Garden Canyon Linear Park, near St. Andrews street. This strategic placement would not only enhance the park's appeal but also add to the practice ground for the Buena High School Mountain Bike Club, allowing them to continue their winning streak and inspire other young riders in our community.

Here are several compelling reasons to support the addition of another pump track, pump track features, and drought-resistant trees:

Health and Wellness: Pump tracks promote physical activity and wellness among residents, contributing to a healthier and happier community. This is particularly beneficial for our youth, including members of the Buena High School Mountain Bike Club, who can hone their skills in a safe and engaging environment. This helps to keep kids occupied with a positive activity.
Tourism and Economic Growth: By offering diverse recreational options like pump tracks, Sierra Vista can attract tourists and boost local businesses, such as bike shops, cafes, and accommodations. The success of our mountain bike club and hosting the state championships at Wren Arena also puts Sierra Vista on the map as a hub for outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Community Engagement: Pump tracks encourage community engagement and foster a sense of camaraderie among residents. The Buena High School Mountain Bike Club's achievements exemplify the spirit of teamwork and dedication that thrives in our city.
Environmental Sustainability: Introducing drought-resistant trees, such as tipu, Chilean Mesquite, and fruitless olive trees, along the south and west side of trails not only provides shade but also contributes to our city's sustainability efforts. These trees enhance the beauty of our outdoor spaces while conserving water resources.
In conclusion, I urge the City of Sierra Vista to embrace the opportunity to enhance our recreational offerings, support our youth, and promote environmental stewardship by adding additional mountain bike pump tracks, pump track features, and drought-resistant trees. Let's continue to build a vibrant and inclusive community that celebrates outdoor adventure and active living. These are inexpensive improvements.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your ongoing commitment to making Sierra Vista a fantastic place to live, work, and play.

Sierra Vista needs a stage/amphitheater that citizens can afford to rent and insure to host concerts. About two decades ago we used to be able to host battle of the bands and other concerts in the park, but the current stage is exhorbitantly expensive for local bands to use. Please create an affordable venue to rent for local musicians. Mainly we just need a stage and power supply.

One thing I would like to see is more activities for children to do here in this town. There’s no trampoline parks, no Skating rink no other free water activities such as splash pads with other fun water activities for children with the way, the city is growing we definitely need more things to do for our children, especially during summertime and have more fun activities for them that are more affordable!

The City of SV (can't say what I typically call this place) needs to wake up and understand what it means to be pedestrian and bicycle friendly. The City also needs to understand what it takes to bring young blood into this city to keep it alive. Here are my thoughts:

As others have stated, pedestrian sidewalks need to be further from the roads and the bicycle paths closest to the roads. The laws regarding motorists, pedestrians and cyclists need to be enforced. I am sick and tired of seeing laws being broken, right in front of officers, and NOTHING being done. Make contact with the people. I am not saying issue tickets or even warnings. Have a conversation. If somebody becomes nasty, then ticket them.

Second. RESTORE THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON THE WEST END OF FRY!! It was the DUMBEST thing the city has done since I moved back in 2011. Also, consider installing lights at the two 4 way stops on Wilcox. People cannot figure out how they work.

Third FIX the roads that are the responsibility of SV to maintain. Wilcox from BST to Seventh Street is getting worse almost daily. North from Taylor to Kayetan is bad. Kayetan from BST to at least North is bad. South Carmichael needs so much done to it I don't even know where to begin. Travel the roads in the city you are supposed to be managing.

Fourth Rent control (not sure if this is a city or state level thing) is needed. Some of us are one rent increase away from homelessness and, for some of us, ownership isn't even a dream anymore.

Fifth, ENCOURAGE (you can't force them) businesses to move here by providing evidence that their customer base isn't JUST the population of SV and the Fort. To get proof, provide businesses with the programs needed to collect zip codes of all their shoppers. Submit the results to potential companies. Do I want to see SV grow into Tucson or some other large city? NO!! Do I want to see my fellow Vistans, who maybe cannot afford to drive to Tucson, be able to shop at at least a few different places? YES.

Lastly, as for things for kids to do, yes, SV needs that. However, that is not your responsibility to provide outside of the Parks (which you need to do something about the grassy spaces, or should I say weed (not the stuff to smoke) farms), the Cove, and programs offered through the city. People need to quit expecting you to provide things for their children to do. This falls under the category of ENCOURAGE businesses to come here.

Whatever is done - please do not do it like the same way as was done recently on the west side on Fry. The design is totally bass-akwards to the max!

Please don't do all the wrong things to the so-called 'improvements' made.

#1 Don't put trees right up to the the curb of the roadway which creates blind spots for anybody trying to enter the road. Put the trees further back from the curb.

#2 Don't put the bike path furthest from the road curb and have the walking sidewalk closer to the curb. I talked to SV about this and was told that Sierra Vista was already aware that "walkers use the bike path because it's further from the road." SV knew that pedestrians were using the bike path that is furthest from the road elsewhere and still - and still continued to do a lousy job of designing a "livable" city by making the same exact mistake again.

#3 Why not have the bike path next to the road that is already of a raised curb so there is no arguing about cars parked at the side of the road 'dooring' bikes. Put the trees next and the furthest from the curb the sidewalk.

#4 the wrongest thing done was to remove the lights at the intersections. Oh - that's an awesome idea for a livable city - remove the lights, have no pedestrian buttons at the intersections and call it 'livable'. Freakin' lawsuit waiting to happen.

1) Replace tilted evergreens with more appealing trees on buffalo soldier rd by bike path or at least straighten them out.
2) Throw a blacktop topping on road by frys grocery store. This should of never gotten this bad. Seek fed govt handouts. 3) Replace red bricks on medians. They are old and look aweful. 4) Landscape sections of roads to improve appeal. Remove vegetation that blocks vehical views when entering a road. Can prevent many accidents this way.

Being new to SV, while I love this area, it lacks activities for the youth. Parents have to drive to Tucson. The “mall” is run down. A mall is usually a great hangout place for teens and families, as well as great for local economies. Shops that teens would love to work at, giving them diversity from the mere fast food service industry. Im not sure what the issue is with the mall, but this is not it. The roads need repair. I was in town less than a week and got damage to my car. The city needs to expand sewer services and city water. There needs to be a way for the city to balance growth for the youth while maintaining its appeal to the retirees. Otherwise the only growth it will continue to see, will come from rotation of military families. To add to that, if the city wants to continue to grow and partner with post, Buena High School lacks CTE programs. Post had to close down CYS programs. The school should partner with a local college and offer programs like child development and could then partner with MWR as a work-study program. The school could even collaborate with a cosmetology and even esthetician programs, since that is a growing industry. The closest schools are again in Tucson. Overall, SV caters to the older population.

Is it possible for the plan to include incentives of some kind for large businesses to install solar panels as part of their parking lots? I love the ones that have been added at City Hall and the Library, but would really like to see places like Wal-Mart have them too.

We love Sierra Vista! Great small town feel with lots to do. However, it would be a great benefit for families to offer more activities for children and teens. Mini golf, a trampoline park and summer programs would keep kids busy and bring in business. With school being out soon, I am trying to find activities for my kids. Thank you!

I like the small town atmosphere of SV and I'm a fan of keeping it that way as much as the next person but there are many who want to keep it like a graveyard with a fence around it. There is a large retiree population here but there are still a lot of younger folks here who would like to enjoy our town and not have to drive all the way to Tucson for something to do. I realize that the town council doesn't keep businesses out but how much are they doing to attract business in SV? Small local business is great and I'm all for that but we need more variety.

The idea is variety that will lead to people getting out and staying in SV for their fun and activities. It won't take biz from the locals, with more people staying and spending in town it will benefit the local biz. So my point is a major commitment from the town of SV on attracting new business to enhance daily life of the folks here along with bolstering the local business economy.

David and buster is every expensive for Sierra Vista.
They need to bring in a low maintenance putt putt golf for little kids and laser tag for big adults.

please fix our roads. They need to be fix first.