Community advocate groups have turned in over 3,800 signatures in an attempt to send a Tempe ordinance expanding park use requirements for large groups to voters.
The issue surrounds a newly adopted Tempe ordinance that would require a special permit for any event with 30 people or more. The cost for the reservations would depend on the type of event.
The controversial new rule drew dozens of people to Tempe’s City Council meeting last month when it adopted the measure unanimously.
The group Arizona AANHPI Advocates and other organizations collected the signatures to send the issue to voters in Tempe’s next election in March.
DeAnna Alvarez says the groups turned in the signatures Friday.
“We think that folks in Tempe should be able to use the parks that are already being paid for through our taxes without worrying about getting a hefty fine," Alvarez said.
The city of Tempe has paused the implementation of the ordinance while it reviews the signatures, which could take up to 20 days to validate.
