New group will battle environmentalists over Vigneto and other projects

A new nonprofit group says it will push for economic development and property rights in the Southwest, supporting projects such as the 28,000-home Villages of Vigneto in Benson. In a news release, in interviews and on its website, the Southwestern Communities Coalition signaled its intention to battle what it calls “fake environmentalists,” who it says are using lawsuits to impede private landowners and drive them off their land. While the news release doesn’t mention any groups by name, the group’s members’ comments and website clearly target the Tucson-based Center for Biological Diversity, one of six environmental groups that have sued to try to block the Vigneto project. The Southwestern Communities Coalition announced its creation at a Benson meeting and news conference last week, saying it’s formed to protect “the future of small-town America.” About 140 supporters attended the meeting, the group said...MORE