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 residents spoke during the public-comment period, the bulk urging council opposition. Jeffrey August, who identified himself as president of Keep Us Rural and a Whitman resident, said, "We are in absolute opposition of this project," citing concerns about pollution, noise and impacts to the horse community. Laura Deaver said recent multi-hour traffic incidents showed the region—s infrastructure and emergency response are already strained: "Our infrastructure is already overburdened, and the addition of thousands of trucks tied to this project will only make things worse."

Organizers reported significant grassroots opposition. "I have acquired close to 4,000 signatures against this project," said Lisa Everett, who said she is collecting petitions from across the West Valley.

BNSF offered a competing view. Kyle Cooper, speaking for the company, said the firm was surprised to learn of the city—s planned resolution via social media and said BNSF has been participating in multiagency meetings on transportation, water and wastewater. Cooper described Logistics Park Phoenix as a multi-billion-dollar investment and said, "The project as proposed at full build out would generate over $4,000,000,000 in labor income and contribute $258,000,000 annually in state and local taxes." He urged the city to continue engagement with BNSF.

Councilmembers said they support responsible economic growth but criticized what they described as insufficient information and limited collaboration from BNSF. Councilmember Chris Judd warned that the company—s acquisition of certain water rights allows extraction without replenishment and said, "just because something is legal doesn't mean you should do it." Councilmember Patrick Duffy and others highlighted traffic and infrastructure concerns along Loop 303, U.S. 60 and Grand Avenue, and called for commitments from BNSF on road, water and safety mitigation before any shift in the city's position.

The motion to approve Resolution 2025-98 passed by unanimous voice vote. The resolution states the city opposes the rezoning request pending procedural and financial commitments from BNSF to minimize impacts in Surprise, while reserving the right to reassess the position if BNSF provides substantial mitigation and collaborates on solutions.

The council and speakers emphasized that the vote is not intended as an endpoint: multiple councilmembers invited BNSF back for transparent, concrete plans addressing water replenishment, traffic improvements and public-safety measures.

Next steps described in council discussion included continued intergovernmental coordination with Maricopa County and state agencies and a request that BNSF provide more detailed studies and proposals. The record from the Oct. 7 meeting will accompany the council—s communications with county and regional partners.