Surprise City Council has formally opposed a request for the county to rezone almost 4,300 acres of land for a BNSF railroad hub. The move comes as many local residents shared their criticisms about the potential development.
The city says the hub, in its current form, would place “substantial unmitigated risk” and “undue burden” on its infrastructure and public safety services. The proposed hub is about 15 miles northwest of Surprise.
Various City Council members cited lack of communication between them and BNSF and other reasons behind their decision.
Among the issues raised by the city include heavy traffic congestion and meeting water demands.
Wittman resident Kirby Anderson expressed gratitude for the city’s action.
“I'm very thankful for the City of Surprise for standing up and doing what's right for the citizens and also standing up and doing what's right for planned growth and strategic growth that meets the economic needs of [a] community," he said.
Kevin Sartor is the mayor of Surprise.
“This resolution is about ensuring that the growth does not come at the expense of our residents, their safety, their mobility, air quality, and their long-term sustainability," he said.
Lena Kent, spokesperson for BNSF, says the company will delay a vote on the rail hub by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors that was scheduled for November.
She also says the company was surprised by comments from city council members, and that they do not accurately reflect the relationship between BNSF and the municipality.
