Dear Shalimar Supporters,
Happy New Year, and thank you – we built very strong momentum in 2024 and the Save Shalimar campaign and petition are working. I appreciate all the efforts that have gone into keeping the issue visible and stakeholders accountable. Here’s the latest news from the Tempe Tribune.

The year ahead involves engaging directly to move beyond the current developer’s proposal, which remains relatively unchanged despite six months of good faith meetings and direct feedback. I am frustrated by that lack of responsiveness, and also confident that there are immediate opportunities for a better solution for all of Tempe.

As we all know, it is the owners’ intention to shut down golf course operations at the beginning of April. This has always been their right. It is important to remember however, that ending golf course operations does not equal rezoning approval. Redevelopment cannot proceed without an approved rezoning by the mayor and city council. 

There is no question that golf course operations ending will result in a profound sense of loss throughout the community. It is important to enjoy the time we have left with the course as we know it today and have known it for 60 years. 

As a community we must actively embrace new opportunities. A new, improved Shalimar. Not a developer’s vision. Our vision. Shalimar 2.0.

Our vision for Shalimar 2.0 does not include high-density housing, the destruction of a distinct and special neighborhood, and the loss of a irreplaceable Tempe resource: 44 acres of open green space. This is where we differ from the owners/developers.

The owners have a right to sell the property and we respect that. We also respect that the owners have contributed to our community and the city of Tempe. Our campaign is not and will never be about the owners. We wish them only the best as they move on from Shalimar.

There is no right, however, to a rezoning. The property was purchased as agricultural (AG) land, with a zoning of only one house per acre. Approval of high-density rezoning changes the neighborhood and natural landscape dramatically, and prioritizes the financial benefit of a very select few over the needs and desires of many individuals and the larger community. The potential long-term negative impact to the Shalimar neighborhood, hundreds of homeowners, and thousands of Tempe citizens must be of paramount importance to the Tempe City Council.

Sell yes. Rezone no.

Tempe neighborhood opposition to rezoning continues to grow. Neighbors are joined by broad based and expanding city-wide support.

The Shalimar Association board continues to meet regularly with our attorney and respond to each step of the city development process. We are laser-focused on specific activities for early 2025:

Developers “Community” Meeting – This is a required meeting by the Developer as part of the rezoning application. We need a big community turn out. Date is still TBD, stay tuned.

Letters to City Council – Now is the time to provide your perspective. Share your reasons on why we need to Save Shalimar. You can email the mayor and the entire council at: councilcommunicator@tempe.gov

City Council meetings – sign up to attend and speak at a Tempe City Council meeting. The process is easy and has proven to be very impactful as community members communicate directly to the Mayor and City Council Members.

Please contact us at info@saveshalimar.com if you are interested in making a 3-min comment to the council on why you want to see Shalimar preserved. We can assist you in the process.

Your contributions, efforts, and support last year got us to this forward position. Let us know we can count on you in this mission-critical moment. Take one of these actions today:

• Help us stay visible. Repost Save Shalimar on social media.
• Get a new yard sign or one of our great green t-shirts. 
• Connect us with a business supporter at info@saveshalimar.com
• Share the online petition with friends in Tempe and beyond.

Thanks again for staying connected to Save Shalimar and making your voice heard. Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous New Year. 

Respectfully,
Carl Streiff, President
Shalimar Association