City Council Plans Major Shift from Housing to Industrial Development

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the evolution of development in Buckeye, highlighting a significant shift from residential to industrial use in a proposed project. Council members expressed enthusiasm about the potential benefits of this pivot, particularly in relation to the local airport's impact on growth.

Councilmember Hess raised concerns regarding water usage differences between the previously approved residential development and the new industrial proposal. According to estimates from Terry Lowe's team, the original residential plan would have consumed approximately 4,500 acre-feet of water annually, based on a multifamily development model. In contrast, the new plan includes a hard cap of 2,000 acre-feet per year, representing a reduction of at least 60% in water usage.

The meeting also addressed the preservation of open space within the development. While the residential neighborhood would have included parks and recreational facilities, the new industrial plan will maintain existing natural open spaces, such as Salmon Wash, ensuring that wildlife can continue to traverse the area.

Overall, the discussions reflect a strategic shift in Buckeye's development approach, prioritizing industrial growth while maintaining environmental considerations and resource management.