Thread: AZ-Tubac checkpoint still a flashpoint

Tubac checkpoint still a flashpoint

A sign on Gary Hembree’s car makes it clear where he stands on the Tubac checkpoint. Photo by Jaime Richardson
By Jaime Richardson
Published: Friday, May 8, 2009 9:43 PM MDT
www.gvnews.com

The Border Patrol checkpoint north of Tubac is killing tourism, putting residents in harm’s way and costing million of dollars in home sales, according to local business owners.

But it’s also responsible for the seizure of tons of illegal drugs, hundreds of arrests and an increased sense of security in the area, Border Patrol officials say.

The value of the temporary checkpoint at the northbound Agua Linda Road exit has been debated for years, but it was stepped up with last week’s announcement that expansion will begin in June.

“The checkpoint is a safety hazard to the communities north and south of us,â€

"Zachary Freeland, director of new home sales for Brasher Realty in Tubac, said the company lost more than $5 million in home sales from buyers who signed contracts but had second thoughts after driving back through the checkpoint. He said at least twice as many people have told him they decided against buying a home in Tubac for the same reason."

This is bull. Zach Freeland is a politician type and we know politicians never tell the truth. Even though Tubac is beautiful, it sits right in the hotbed of all the illegal smuggling routes and that is why people have changed their mind about buying and living there, not the checkpoint on the road. Since Tucbac is south of Green Valley and you know Green Valley has it bad too, it is even more intense in Tubac. Any builder that chose to create a development there and any resident that chooses to live there is either ignorant or a fool.

He said the agents and their work is appreciated, but the dramatic increase in Border Patrol visibility since the temporary checkpoint went in two years ago gives the false impression that crime is up in the area.

The bull these people spew...

This must be a really bad neighborhood and no one should visit them, since the high visibility of patrolmen means there is more crime...



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