Via City of Tempe
By Your Valley
Tempe has filed a request for the Arizona Supreme Court to review a recent appeals court decision that would allow the fate of a $1.8 billion lakeside development to go before voters.
South Pier, a multi-use development, would be built on 12 acres on the south shore of Tempe Town Lake east of Rural Road. It would include seven buildings built in phases over 15 years, as well as an observation wheel, pedestrian bridge and public dock.
According to the city, the developer will pay the city market value for its land and has pledged to contribute approximately $10.1 million to off-site affordable housing in Tempe.
The city council unanimously approved the Development and Disposition Agreement one year ago.
However, a citizens’ group – Central Arizonans for a Sustainable Economy – collected signatures attempting to put the project on a ballot for voters to decide.
CASE contends the project lacked sufficient affordable housing, and Tempe residents did not have enough involvement in the process.
