Phoenix buys Cholla Library land to secure the branch near 68-acre redevelopment
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Summary
The council approved purchase of the Cholla Library property to secure long-term ownership, eliminate lease obligations and align the branch with a neighboring 68-acre redevelopment project in Laveen.
Phoenix City Council unanimously approved acquisition of the Cholla Library property on Aug. 27, a move city leaders described as protecting a longstanding community resource and positioning the branch to benefit from adjacent redevelopments.
Vice Mayor O'Brien framed the purchase as preserving a community asset built in 1974 that had been operated on leased land. She said owning the site "secures Cholla Library's role in the neighborhood's renaissance" and eliminates ongoing lease obligations. The council approved the fair-market purchase by roll call, 9-0.
O'Brien and other council members tied the acquisition to a nearby 68-acre Metropolitan redevelopment project expected to bring housing, retail and public amenities; the city said ownership allows the library to remain part of that neighborhood-level planning.
What’s next: the city will take ownership of the property and integrate the site into planning discussions for the adjacent redevelopment. Staff thanked the city manager and management for completing the transaction.
Discussion v. decision: staff presented the acquisition rationale and the council moved and approved the appropriation and purchase as presented.