It is rather ironic that one of the most contentious issues within HOAs is now spreading out to the wider community of Sahuarita. That issue is one of views.
Realtors love to sell properties with views. Trees block views and trees have a way of growing. If they are topped, they may soon die. New developments block views. Homes that had great views may suddenly be looking across the wash at a new development that blocks those mountain views.
Now there is the question --How high should new buildings in the Sahuarita town center be? There are those who would limit the height severely so as not to block views of homeowners and views of the mountains from the highway.
But there are two sides to the view question. Trees provide shade and privacy and if looked at from the east side may block the view of the mine tailings. Trees also stabilize the land; the taller the tree, the deeper the root system. Land slippage, sand blowing and general erosion are major problems in this area. Trees also act as wind breaks.
How many of the new homes being built in this area have living room windows that look directly across a seven foot outdoor space directly into their neighbor’s window? What kind of a view is that? But maybe you didn’t notice that view because the model is so nicely decorated and you were focused on the counter tops and the colorful furnishings within the home.
Which would you rather look at – a multistoried hospital or a low sprawling building surrounded by Wal-Mart style asphalt parking? Which would be the easiest environment to utilize if you are a patient or a visitor there? With the cost of land, there is something to be said for buildings that leave the smallest footprint on that land. Asphalt is an incredible heat sink, but it doesn’t generally block your view of the mountains.
We need the hospital. Let’s hope that it doesn’t get delayed over a dispute involving views. Denver and Los Angeles used to have great views of the mountains. Now they are rarely seen from these cities because of smog. Could that happen here? Given the current rate of development, it could happen.
Drive east on highway 10 into New Mexico on a windy day and you will wish there were more trees to stop that blowing sand and dust.