North Phoenix Development Near TSMC Advances Amid Concerns
A significant mixed-use development, dubbed NorthPark, located near the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) facility in North Phoenix, recently received a unanimous recommendation for approval from the North Gateway Village Planning Committee. This advancement comes despite strong opposition from dozens of local residents who voiced their concerns at a recent public meeting.
The NorthPark Development: A “City Within a City”
Spearheaded by Pulte Group and TSMC, the NorthPark development is planned for the southwest corner of I-17 and Loop 303. Described as a “city within a city,” the project involves multiple rezoning cases, which the planning committee has now recommended approving. Ahead of the meeting, Phoenix officials noted a significant disparity in public feedback, receiving 243 letters expressing opposition or concerns compared to 68 letters of support.
Community Opposition: Traffic, Environment, and Water
Residents gathered at the committee meeting to articulate their apprehensions regarding the project’s impact on their community. Key concerns included:
- Traffic Congestion: Many residents, like Anne Wilsey, expressed fears over increased traffic and safety issues on existing North Phoenix roads, stating, “We don’t want to handle that traffic. We like our community, it’s quiet.”
- Environmental Impact: There were substantial discussions about the environmental consequences of developing state trust land, including the reduction of vital recreational space.
- Water Supply: The vast amount of water required for such a large project and its potential effects on the region’s water supply was a significant point of contention. Resident Jim Umlauf emphasized, “In ten years from now, we’re not going to sit back and say ‘Gee, I wish we built more homes.’ But we are going to look back and say ‘Man, I wish we saved more open space.'”
Locals also proposed an alternative, suggesting the project be relocated further north of Loop 303, away from established neighborhoods.
Developer and City Responses to Public Concerns
In response to the community’s questions, both TSMC and the City of Phoenix provided assurances:
- Water Recycling: Rafael Velazquez, TSMC’s Environment Health and Safety Manager, committed to an ambitious goal of recycling up to 90 percent of the company’s water, highlighting their rigorous cleaning processes.
- Chemical & Traffic Management: TSMC issued a letter to the Stetson Valley HOA, guaranteeing that no harmful chemicals would be discharged into water or transported through residential areas. Furthermore, they pledged to collaborate with the city on site designs to direct truck traffic to adjacent freeways and prevent trucks from entering southern residential areas.
- Preserving Open Space: The City of Phoenix confirmed that the proposal includes the dedication of approximately 2,100 acres of land to the City for integration into the Sonoran Preserve system, at no cost. This ensures guidelines are in place to protect these new preserve areas.
Overview of Key Concerns and Responses
| Community Concern | Developer/City Response |
|---|---|
| Traffic Congestion & Safety | TSMC will work with the city on site design to route trucks to freeways and away from residential areas. |
| Environmental Impact & Open Space Reduction | Developer to dedicate ~2,100 acres to the City for the Sonoran Preserve system. |
| Water Supply & Usage | TSMC aims to recycle up to 90% of its water and ensures no harmful discharges. |
| Proximity to Existing Neighborhoods | No specific change to project location, but efforts to mitigate local impacts. |
What’s Next for NorthPark?
The rezoning applications for the NorthPark development are scheduled to proceed to the City of Phoenix’s planning commission on December 4th. This meeting will be the next critical step in determining the future of this ambitious project and its impact on North Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the NorthPark development?
It’s a massive mixed-use development by Pulte Group and TSMC, located at the southwest corner of I-17 and Loop 303 in North Phoenix. - What are the primary concerns of residents?
Residents are mainly concerned about increased traffic congestion and safety, environmental impacts, water supply, and the reduction of recreational open space. - How will TSMC address water usage?
TSMC’s Environment Health and Safety Manager stated their goal is to recycle up to 90% of their water used in the facility. - What is the city doing about open space?
The proposal includes the developer dedicating approximately 2,100 acres of land to the City of Phoenix for inclusion in the Sonoran Preserve system. - What is the next step for this project?
The rezoning applications are expected to go before the City of Phoenix’s planning commission on December 4.
For North Phoenix residents, staying informed about these upcoming planning commission meetings and continuing to engage with local officials will be crucial as this major development moves forward.
NorthPark Phoenix development advances despite opposition
