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GVR approves fee increase for 2021

Green Valley Recreation (GVR) has voted to approve an across the board rate increase affecting 2021 member dues and property acquisition fees.

Effective January 1, 2021, annual member dues will increase $12 from $493 annually to $505 annually. The Property Acquisition Capital Fee (PACF), which is applied to all sales and resales of GVR member properties, will increase $100, from $2,616 to $2,716. The transfer fee, which is also assessed on every resale transaction, will increase $50 from $350 to $400.

The Property Acquisition Capital Fee, while always collected from the buyer at close of escrow, is refundable within 12 month of transfer of title if the member moves (sells) one primary GVR residence to another primary GVR residence.

If the purchase is for an additional GVR property (buyer already owns one or more and has not sold one), then the PACF fee is not refundable.

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New ‘Property Acquisition’ fee applies to all GVR sales, resales

New 'Property Acquisition Fee' applies to all GVR sales, resalesThe Green Valley Recreation (GVR) board has voted to approve a revised policy affecting the New Member Capital Fee (NMCF) that was charged to new members of GVR.

The new policy, which went into effect on October 1, 2019, changes the name to the Property Acquisition Capital Fee (PACF), and the fee is applied to all sales and resales of GVR member properties, regarding of the home buyer’s current membership status.

Previously, an existing member of GVR would not be assessed the NMCF when purchasing a new home or investment property with a GVR deeded membership.

Under the new policy, which is binding on all GVR member properties, all sales and re-sale transactions will be assessed the PACF fee (currently $2,616) at close of escrow. After closing, the new owner may apply for an exemption and request a refund of the PACF — the fee will be refunded when a member, who owns no more than one GVR property, moves from a primary GVR residence to another primary GVR residence within 12-months.

If the purchase is for an additional GVR property (buyer already owns one or more and has not sold one), then the PACF fee will not be refunded.

According to GVR, the Property Acquisition Capital Fee “is charged to assist in the deferred maintenance and upkeep of GVR’s facilities and the funds collected are used exclusively for that purpose.”

In addition to the PACF, a $350 transfer fee is also assessed on every transaction. The GVR board also approved keeping the annual dues for 2020 at the current rate of $493.

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No GVR dues increase in 2019, but new members to pay more

Green Valley Recreation GVRGreen Valley Recreation (GVR) has approved its 2019 budget that doesn’t include a member dues increase, but new members will pay a higher first-time fee.

The $11.5 million operating budget approved Dec. 4, will hold 2019 membership dues steady at $493. According to GVR documents, this is a “one-time” stay for keeping member dues flat and the 2020 budget could include an increase.

The 2019 budget, however, calls for an increase in the New Member Capital Fee, with the fee increasing 6 percent over 2018 to $2,616. The one-time new member fee is charged to new residents when purchasing a home with a deed-restricted GVR membership.

Tenant cards ranging from 1 day to 2 months would increase $5 under the new budget; three-month tenant cards would climb $10, from $105 to $115; and four-month to one-year tenant cards would jump $15.

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Dairy Queen re-opens after nearly 5 year absence

Dairy Queen re-opens in Green Valley after nearly 5 year absenceBlizzard and Dilly Bar fans rejoice… Dairy Queen has re-opened in the Green Valley / Sahuarita area.

The restaurant, located at 1051 W. Beta St., is back after a nearly 5-year absence. DQ and the attached gas station closed abruptly in 2013 when the owner of both businesses went into bankruptcy. A new owner of the property reopened the gas station in April 2016, but the DQ remained closed until a new franchise operator could be retained.

The restaurant serves the core DQ soft-serve menu of Blizzards, sundaes, cones and more, along with Orange Julius original drinks and fruit smoothies (but no “Braizer” burger and sandwich menu as it had previously in that location). In addition to drive-thru service, the DQ lobby has 12 tables with seating for 48 people, along with outdoor tables and umbrellas.

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Green Valley Hospital exits bankruptcy, getting new name

Green Valley Hospital exits bankruptcyThe Green Valley Hospital has emerged from bankruptcy, and is getting a new name.

Now known as the Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital, the facility laid off about 60 workers as it exited bankruptcy, leaving it with about 250 to 260 employees. A hospital spokesman told the Green Valley News that the name change will help attract residents from neighboring communities to use the facilities.

CEO Kelly Adams said the layoffs will not affect services, and hopes to increase services. The hospital recently granted privileges to 17 physicians.

The hospital opened in June 2015 with 49 beds, a restaurant, coffee bar and gift shop. It filed for bankruptcy in April 2017.

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HOAs to buy former site of proposed Pickleball courts

Pickle Ball Courts at GVR Canoa RanchFour Green Valley home owners associations have banded together to purchase the land that was once the site Green Valley Recreation’s proposed new Pickleball courts.

Esperanza Estates, Portillo Place and Ventura West have reached a deal with the Las Campanas Community Association and the current owners of the vacant land on the north side of Esperanza Blvd., for Las Campanas to purchase the land. Under terms of the agreement, the sellers will execute a deed restriction to preserve the land from future development. The deal is expected to close escrow by the end of September.

The 12 acres of natural desert landscape was the controversial site of GVR’s proposed 24-court Pickleball expansion. Residents in the surrounding HOA’s feared the proposed complex would negatively affect their property values. Following public outcry, GVR backed off plans for the Esperanza site in February, and the land was subsequently purchased by a Ventura West couple for $135,000., with the intent of re-selling it (at no profit) to one of the HOA’s.

Eventually, GVR settled on a site south of Pasadera for the new Pickleball courts.

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Italian steakhouse Carne Y Vino shutters abruptly

Carne Y Vino closes in Green ValleyCarne Y Vino, the Italian steakhouse located in the Continental Plaza, closed abruptly on July 2 with no forewarning to the property manager or patrons.

A property manager at Continental Shopping Plaza told the Green Valley News that the restaurant’s owner dropped by her office to say he was struggling financially about a week before Carne y Vino shuttered, but did not indicate he was thinking of closing down.

Carne y Vino signed a five-year lease for the 3,654-square-foot space in February 2016. Prior to Carne y Vino, the space was occupied by Mac’s Pub & Patio, which also closed unexpectedly in December 2015.

Dining out in Green Valley? Check out my Restaurant directory here.

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‘Fast casual’ MOD Pizza arrives in Sahuarita

MOD Pizza arrives in SahuaritaMOD Pizza is now open in Sahuarita. The new dine-in or take-out restaurant is located at the corner of Nogales Hwy. and Abrego Drive in the Crossing at Sahuarita development.

Described as a “fast-casual” pizza restaurant, MOD Pizza serves “artisan-style” pizzas and salads are individually sized, made on demand, and ready in minutes. Diners can choose from over 30 toppings and the price stays the same no matter what you pick. The restaurant also serves beer, wine and “hand spun” milkshakes.

The chain was founded in Seattle in 2008, and has more than 300 restaurants in 27 states, including two locations in Tucson, and a third on the way. The Sahuarita restaurant opened July 7.

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‘Neighborhood hospital’ planned for Sahuarita

Northwest Healthcare plans to open an 18-bed “neighborhood hospital” in Sahuarita, complete with an emergency room and two operating rooms. The new hospital is slated to open in late 2019, pending approval by the town’s mayor and council.

The two-story acute-care facility, planned for construction south and east of Sahuarita Road and Interstate 19, will employ about 150 workers, including nurses, physicians and support staff workers. The 70,000 sq.ft. facility will also house medical offices for primary care, cardiology, orthopedics and general surgery services, the company said.

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TJ Maxx, PetSmart open in new Sprouts shopping center

Crossing at SahuaritaT.J. Maxx and PetSmart have opened new locations in the Green Valley area. The two stores are now open in the Crossing at Sahuarita shopping center at S. Nogales Hwy. and Abrego Dr.

T.J. Maxx held its grand opening on April 29, and PetSmart opened May 5. The center is also home to a new Sprouts Farmer’s Market that opened in February.

Future tenants include Bealls Outlet, which will move from its current location down the street on the west side of I-19, and Mod Pizza, a fast casual pizza restaurant. Additional shops and restaurants are planned for the new center.

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Russ Fortuno, Associate Broker

I'm a Southern Arizona native and year-round Green Valley resident. Whether you’re buying or selling a home in the Green Valley or Sahuarita area, you’ll experience unsurpassed service and professionalism at all stages of your real estate transaction. I welcome the opportunity to assist in your next home sale or purchase.
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Tierra Antigua Realty

18745 S. I-19 Frontage Rd., Ste. A105
Green Valley, AZ 85614
(520) 333-0446
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