Residents Clash Over Controversial Development Plans in Tempe

Residents of South Tempe voiced strong opinions during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed development at a problematic corner between the 101 and I-10 freeways. While some community members expressed support for revitalizing the area, others raised significant concerns about traffic, parking, and the preservation of the neighborhood's rural character.

Jill Lewis, a long-time resident, articulated her opposition to the proposed increase in density, arguing that it stems from a developer's profit motives rather than community needs. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the area's agricultural feel and warned against the potential negative impacts of retail zoning, which could lead to undesirable businesses and traffic congestion.

Doug Brown echoed these sentiments, highlighting concerns about insufficient parking for the proposed restaurants. He noted that overflow parking could spill into residential areas, exacerbating existing traffic issues on nearby roads, which already experience heavy daily traffic.

Conversely, William Judge, another resident, supported the development, describing the current site as an eyesore and asserting that the community is underserved in terms of dining options. He argued that the proposed high-end retail would attract responsible tenants and enhance the neighborhood.

Paul Lynes raised specific concerns about the safety of traffic patterns associated with the development. He suggested that limiting access to right-in and right-out turns could mitigate potential accidents, emphasizing the need for careful planning to ensure resident safety.

The meeting concluded with the developers acknowledging the community's concerns, particularly regarding traffic management and parking. They expressed a willingness to address these issues as the project moves forward, indicating that they would work closely with city officials to find solutions that satisfy both residents and the development's objectives.