Dear Shalimar Supporters –
I am happy to report that the Save Shalimar campaign is gaining significant momentum. More than 1000 people have signed the petition to oppose rezoning. Your voice makes quite a statement and we appreciate your messages of support. 

We have two petitions, the first one is a ‘protest’ petition that is specifically targeted to those that own homes on the golf course. This was done in order to trigger a ‘super-majority’ vote of the entire city council, should the proposal make it to a city council hearing. I can tell you that we have approximately 90% signature participation. This far exceeds the required 20%.

The second petition is what we call the ‘general’ petition. This is for all of Tempe to show their opposition to the developer proposal and rezoning of this 44-acre green space. As you can see from the participation map below, we have outstanding support from the entire Shalimar community. This support is spreading out to all corners of the city as citizens become aware of the risk of losing this historic and loved community gathering space for all. Sign the petition or send to a friend today!

The Save Shalimar effort is receiving considerable media attention. There have been a number of print articles as well as television spots covering our story. The interest is high, and the critical question is how the community is best served in the long term. It is possible to achieve a solution that considers all stakeholders.

Decisions must be made in alignment with Tempe’s guiding principles, including preservation of neighborhood character and tangible pieces of cultural or historic importance, sustainability & environmental stewardship, and meeting the aspirational goals of the city’s urban forest master plan. This challenge is made more complex given the private property rights of the golf course owners, as well as the rights and expectations of the 100+ property owners on the golf course and hundreds of homeowners who live in the adjoining community. 

Despite this overwhelming and growing opposition, the developers have indicated their intention to continue to move forward. This does not change our strategy, as we continue to believe that a better solution is possible and achievable for all stakeholders. We will not waver in our commitment to work with the property owners, the City of Tempe, and all interested parties toward a favorable outcome for all stakeholders.

A formal proposal for Rezoning, Planned Area Development (PAD), and Development Plan Review has been submitted by the developer to the City of Tempe. We expect the pace of activity to speed up as we near the end of the year, and the challenges to become more complex as the formal proposal is reviewed by city staff.

In order to respond appropriately, the Shalimar Association has hired an attorney. With that, we need to increase our fundraising goal and effort. I am asking the community to come together around a goal of $25,000 by December 31, 2024 to ensure we can bring the fight in 2025. 

We are in the process of developing and documenting what we refer to as ‘Plan B’. This includes a number of potential solutions involving public, private and federal engagement. I can report that there are interested parties.

The annual meeting of the Shalimar Association is Wednesday, November 13, 2024. New board members will be elected during the business meeting from 5pm-6pm. From 6pm-7pm, I will provide a full campaign update with time to answer your questions. A formal meeting notice will go out the first week of November.

Anyone can become a member or donate to the Shalimar Association. To vote in the board election, members must meet additional criteria. Go to the association website for information about the upcoming meeting, board candidate profiles (available on November 8), and to update your membership or make a donation.

We need everyone to pitch in with their time and talents. To volunteer, sign up here.

I want to thank those that have taken the time to send emails to our mayor and council members, describing what Shalimar means and has meant to them, their family, and friends over the decades. I believe our city council has a real appreciation for what this community treasure means to so many, and why we all want to keep this green space a part of Tempe.

I also want to extend my thanks to all of you and especially to current board members and volunteers. We wouldn’t be here without you. Because of your passion, I am committed to a win for the Shalimar community and for all of Tempe.

Regards,
Carl Streiff
President, Shalimar Association