The city of Tucson is hoping to take Gov. Doug Ducey’s call to fill empty schools and classrooms a step further.
The city is considering a fast-track through its bureaucracy for those wanting to develop a former school site.
It’s especially interested in projects that include affordable homes that mesh with the existing character of a neighborhood.
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild says if the city can get people to build single-family homes that are compatible with the neighborhood it helps get young families back into the city. He says that makes for a stronger city.
The Arizona Daily Star reports Tucson was actually ahead of the governor in looking to jump-start the vacant properties. It has been looking at cutting red tape on the projects for six months.
Rothschild said the city will do anything it can to give people incentives to utilize the properties.