Surprise council unanimously adopts resolution opposing BNSF rezoning; residents cite traffic, water and safety concerns

The Surprise City Council voted unanimously Oct. 7 to adopt Resolution 2025-98 opposing Burlington Northern Santa Fe—s proposed Logistics Park rezoning request in northwest Maricopa County.

Janine Yerkovich, director of Surprise Economic Development, told the council the city values its decades-long partnership with BNSF but that the proposed project—more than 4,000 acres, which Yerkovich said is the equivalent of approximately four rail plexes—raises unanswered questions about what kinds of jobs would be created and the project—s effects on water, transportation, public safety and quality of life. She said the city is reserving judgment until more information is provided.

"We have questions. What are the jobs? Are these railroad jobs? Do they already have businesses in mind?" Yerkovich said, adding that the city has visited other BNSF projects but still lacks information needed to make a fully informed decision.

A dozen-plus…