By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
The Tempe City Council is looking at moving ahead with economic development efforts at the Smith Industrial Innovation Hub zone near University Drive, Rio Salado Parkway and the Loop 101 Freeway.
The council is being asked to award a $184,867 professional services contract to HDR Engineering for infrastructure planning.
The Smith Industrial Innovation Hub Initiative looks to bring more economic development and jobs to a 302-acre area bounded by the three aforementioned streets along with McClintock Drive.
The area has historically been home to light industrial uses. The city wants to see if it can bring a great diversity of businesses and jobs to the zone. The initiative is a pilot project that Tempe could look to replicate in other parts of the city.
Tempe is looking to also make pedestrian and bike lane improvements to the area which also sits near Metro light rail and the planned streetcar line.
The HDR contract is on Tempe council’s Feb. 11 agenda.
