Updated 12/2/09- With all of the Thanksgiving activities I hadn’t had a chance to give an update on the South Mountain 202 Freeway saga. The AZ Republic reported on 11/27/09 “Three of South Mountain’s most prestine and remote ridgelines would be leveled” under the current Pecos alignment as the freeway extends from the Ahwatukee side around the south westerly edge of the S Mtn perserve. ADOTs plans to “demolish 32 acres”. This area is currently so remote nobody can get to them. There aren’t even any trails.
Stay tuned…the sage continues.
Posted 11/22/09- Arizona transportation officials will be meeting with Gila River Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and with US Congressmen Harry Mitchell and Ed Pastor to discuss the possibility of the 202 being routed through tribal land instead of the current Pecos alignment. This portion of the 202 would continue west of the Chandler portion of the 202 & I-10. It would easy the traffic flow from south and west Chandler or Gilbert destined towards west Phoenix and further west.
Officials indicated the tribal route would be $500 million more to the already $1.9 billion price tag. ADOT is still moving forward with their environment impact study, which is a requirement for any federal funded roadway.
My previous blog http://foreclosedhomeschandleraz.com/when-will-the-202-loop-be-finished/ reviewed the on-going talks. The Gila River Indian Council has rejected the possibility of routing it on tribal land twice previously.
On Oct 30, 2009 the tribe opened the new Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino with 242 rooms, 71 gaming tables and 1000 slot machines. They intend to draw Las Vegas style entertainment to its 1400 seat showroom. There also is a 500 room Sheraton hotel a short distance away complete with a championship golf course, spa and other amenities. They also have a casino near the 51st Ave on the west side.
Can you connect the dots? Casinos on both ends, one with a brand new hotel and you have a very vocal community along the Pecos alignment that has strongly opposed the route for years. Keep in mind if the tribal council votes no, ADOT cannot exercise eminent domain rights because the Gila River Indian Community is a sovereign nation.
If you want to express your view point, the next public discussion will be ADOT’s South MTN Citizens Advisory Committee at S Mtn. Community College Student Union, 7050 S 24th St, Phoenix on Jan 28, 2010 at 6:00 PM. To view freeway plans go to http://www.mag.maricopa.gov/detail.cms?item=10445
