By Emily Bregel for Tucson.com
The crowd reacted with stunned silence late Tuesday as the Marana Town Council failed to approve a proposal to transform a historic, defunct guest ranch into a high-density gated community.
“I am shocked and grateful,” said Barbara Rose, who has lived just north of the Lazy K Bar Guest Ranch for 30 years.
Rose helped organize dozens of neighbors in opposition to the plan, which would have put 178 homes on the 138-acre property, one-half mile north of Saguaro National Park West, west of North Silverbell Road and south of West Twin Peaks Road.
The proposal had sparked outrage and sadness from many nearby residents, both in Marana and Pima County, but many in attendance Tuesday seemed resigned to the proposal’s approval.