Eckman: Sun City owners know the rules, should obey

Although I am empathtic to the families’ request for a variance regarding the age restriction for a young one to live in Sun City for a while, I have to say that I would be against granting permission for such a variance (“Overlay decision in limbo,” Sun City Independent, Dec. 7, 2022).

Before I moved into Sun City, I had to carefully consider all of the guidelines, restrictions and benefits. After many hours of thought and discussions with my family, I decided that the benefits far out weighed the negatives. I also felt the guidelines and restrictions would help protect the way of life I wanted to live.

I am not yet 60 years old, so I am a “young one” here in this beautiful community. So, I also am in the time in my life where I might find myself in the situation of those seeking an age variance. But if I do, I do not feel it would be right for me to ask an entire community to risk loosing its way of life to accommodate mine.

Would these variances be requested at a senior high rise, or an assisted living facility?

When Del Webb created this community, he had the forethought to ask for tax breaks (no school taxes) for its’ residents. One of the strong arguments was the fact that there would be no school age children in this community. Saying yes to this request could begin to put this tax break at risk.

If we say yes to one, how can we say no to another? We have already said no to one and in a matter of months we have another age variance request. This is a dangerous door to open.

Again, I want to say, I have empathy for the needs of this family. However, I am against granting this variance.

Editor’s Note: The Independent welcomes all points of view. Email your opinions, pro or con, to AzOpinions@iniusa.org.