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The Rancho Sahuarita Co. will make its pitch Monday night to the Town Council on how to develop 350 acres in and around the center of Sahuarita.

The developer of Rancho Sahuarita has proposed building commercial, retail, industrial and mixed-use development, along with infrastructure, on land south of Sahuarita Road and on both sides of Interstate 19. As part of the proposal, the developer is asking the town to rebate 50 percent of the sales taxes generated by the development.

"We're trying to move forward with the joint private-public partnership," said Tom Murphy, a spokesman for the development company headed by Robert Sharpe.

The property, owned by Rancho Sahuarita, is split by the freeway into two parts.

The 159 acres on the east side is called Town Center. It stretches from the freeway frontage road east along Sahuarita Road to South La Villita Road. The other portion, 197 acres, is called the Power Center. It is west of I-19 between West Sahuarita and El Toro roads, along the interstate frontage road.

Murphy said a successful project will require public participation. He said the company will tell the council why it is mutually beneficial for the town and the developer to jointly plan and build the project.

The developer is considering a big-box store, multi-screen theater and hotel for the project.

As part of its argument, the developer says the town needs to expand its commercial tax base, as well as provide employment and shopping opportunities for town residents. The developer also will promote a pedestrian-friendly town center connecting the commercial zone with the existing municipal complex and a planned medical complex.

Town officials will weigh whether the town's interests are best served by giving up future sales tax receipts, and the impact of development on the town.

The council is not scheduled to take action on the proposal but will discuss it. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way.