Phoenix City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a major mixed-use development that will almost double the footprint of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in north Phoenix.
Some residents say the zoning change puts industry too close to their homes.
Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien said despite heavy opposition from local residents with environmental concerns, she also received an equal amount of comments in support.
"It will create space for commerce, services, and community amenities that serve both new residents and our long standing neighborhoods alike. It will do so with appropriate safeguards, modern infrastructure, and design standards that reflect our values," O'Brien said.
The 900-acre expansion is part of a much larger site that will also include residential units, hiking trails and parks on the southwest corner of Loop 303 and Interstate 17.
Resident opposition
Members of the Stetson Valley Owners Association live to the south of about 7,400 acres of desert near Interstate 17 and the Loop 303.
Board President Amanda McGowan has had her home for 16 years. She says most association members are against TSMC coming closer.
“I’m really disappointed in the Phoenix City Council for ignoring their constituents who overwhelmingly asked them to keep the industrial zoning north of the 303 freeway,” McGowan said.
Roughly 900 acres are set aside for the TSMC expansion. Space is also reserved for residential units, hiking trails and parks.
The area in question is owned by the state land trust. McGowan says it's scheduled for auction in early January.
Environmental concerns remain for McGowan and her members. They feel their questions were not adequately addressed by Phoenix officials.
“I think people deserve to understand the risk when you are putting in something like this near their home. None of that has been transparently shared,” McGowan said.
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