Legal dispute at Madera Canyon

The people who own land near Madera Canyon have asked to be named legal intervenors in a suit against Pima County’s Board of Adjustment for District 4 and its five members.

The owners, Michael, Kerry and Lauren Kettenbach, want to develop a 180-unit housing development near Madera Canyon.

Friends of Madera Canyon, a group that supports and helps provide public access to the scenic canyon, has sued the Board of Adjustment No. 4, for rejecting on a 2-2 vote an appeal to restrict building on the Kettenbach land. One board member was absent the day of the vote.

Friends of Madera Canyon filed action against Board of Adjustment No. 4, arguing that its appeal was rejected on a technicality, the 2-2 vote, and not on the merits of the argument.

The appeal by the Kettenbachs was filed Aug. 20.

Kettenbachs’ appeal said they are owners of the property in question and the action against the county board is of direct interest to them.

Most of Madera Canyon is U.S. Forest Service land.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749