Friends of Madera Canyon attempt development block

Opponents of a planned housing development near the entrance to scenic Madera Canyon filed new court action last week saying some of the steps taken by the developer were “wrong and improper,” and asking the proposal be scrubbed.

The plaintiffs, Friends of Madera Canyon, also asked that the Cielo Madera development owner pay “taxable costs and reasonable attorneys fees” in bringing the appeal.

No dollar amount was specified.

Developer Michael Kettenbach said from his Boston office Monday that he will press forward with the development “under the letter of the law.”

The Kettenbach family has owned the property near Madera Canyon for about half a century.

Kettenbach said it’s somewhat ironic that a few years ago some Friends of Madera Canyon board members were urging him to develop the land.

He said it’s sad that Friends is spending money to delay the development. “I know the law,” he said supporting his position.

Kettenbach family members and Friends of Madera Canyon and other conservationists have been sparring for about a year over the land.

Kettenbach’s latest proposal calls for 180 homes in a cluster development, leaving much of the land untouched.

Most recently, the Pima County Board of Adjustment No. 4 has twice faced action to permit the development. Once the boarded voted 2-2 with one abstention on a motion to reject the development. But since it was a tie vote, the County Planning Department’s approval to develop was allowed to stand.

At a subsequent meeting, the board of adjustment offered no motion on the issue, therefore upholding the planning department’s original decision to permit building.

Friends of Madera Canyon said some of proposed roads depicted on Madera Cielo plans actually don’t serve the development and consequently are unlawful and cause for the development to be denied.

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