BUCKEYE, Ariz. — A proposed development that would bring nearly 10,000 new homes to the West Valley was approved Tuesday night despite opposition from surrounding communities.
A Valley developer, Festival Ranch North, LLC., wants to turn about 2,800 acres of desert in Buckeye into a diverse, walkable neighborhood. It would build single and multi-family homes, along with schools, parks and community centers.
At the end of a four-hour-long meeting Tuesday night, the Buckeye City Council voted 6-1 to approve the new development. However, it will still be three to four years before the first homes go up.
The site, called North Star Ranch, is just north of Sun City Festival between Canyon Springs and Desert Oasis boulevards.
Some people living in Sun City Festival do not want the development to be built near their homes.
“They are trying to interject urban land use and design by force-feeding it to this community," Tom Berry said.
Berry told 12News the current plan raises several red flags for him, including traffic congestion and noise pollution.
“It’s going to change the entire character of this neighborhood," Berry said.
The master plan was first approved in 2005, but with new ownership came changes and an expansion, which needed this most recent green light from the Buckeye City Council.
“It’s not something new. It’s not different. It’s not urban," Susan Demmitt, an attorney representing the developer, said. “There wasn’t a lot of awareness, I think, of the fact that the project has been approved on paper for almost 20 years.”
The development doesn't have a certificate of assured water supply, which is required from the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
Demmitt said a new water source would likely be secured before construction breaks ground in about two years.
“Ultimately, if Buckeye becomes a water service provider, we’ll get water service through the City of Buckeye, separate from bringing our own certificates of assured water supply," Demmitt said.
Berry said he's hoping city leaders listen to their residents before voting.
“I will probably never live to see the end of this but it’s just not right. For the people who have to see the end of it, we have to act now," Berry said.
You can watch the full meeting here.
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