Hello supporters of Save Shalimar –

We wanted to provide a (fairly) brief status on where we are at. On June 4th & 11th the Developer team held neighborhood meetings. These were very well attended and the community provided feedback. It was clear to anyone in attendance that the proposed development is not wanted by the community and the opposition to rezoning remains very strong throughout the surrounding neighborhoods and Tempe.

We have been waiting for some kind of formal response to questions asked in person and written on question cards. This has not yet occurred for what has now been approximately 7 weeks. This flies in the face of the developer claim of reaching out, listening, and responded to inputs. They have been consistent in their lack of action.

There have been some individual neighbor meetings with the developer/attorney, but these meetings were more of the same: Developer argues why this proposal is the best, how this high-density rental complex fits perfectly with the existing 60+ year old neighborhood, there is no traffic issue, there are no issues with density, and it will be great for home values. Which is what you can expect from people that do not live anywhere near Shalimar and know nothing of the impact to the community.

If you do take a meeting with the developer/attorney, The Shalimar Association / Save Shalimar requests that you keep us in the loop. We can have a member of the board of directors attend with you (if you would like). Critical to remember is that our position is opposition to rezoning. Anything less will be all the developer needs to get in the door. The current zoning is AG 1 house/acre and this needs to remain. Please do not negotiate. That is a developer tactic to establish a ‘what would they accept’. It is not the position of the Save Shalimar campaign to state ‘what would we accept’. Please note we have been communicating with the developer, owner, and attorney for well over a year. Any changes they have made to the proposal have been minimal and do not include the golf course. They never have been sincere in their dealings with the neighborhood.

The next step in the process would be a formal presentation to the Tempe Development Review Commission (DRC). This will include a formal, public meeting where citizens can make comments. This meeting has not yet been scheduled. Following the DRC, the matter can go before the City Council for two public hearings. These meetings are not yet scheduled.

The developer owns the timeline. We would like to see this put before the DRC as the developer has indicated, but they continue to delay and work on ways to undercut support for Shalimar and the solidarity against rezoning. Developers do not like to lose.

As you are aware, the owner shut off water to the course in April. This has been nothing short of an ecological disaster. The neighborhood has watched as animals, birds, and fish have met their demise. Water turtles without water has been particularly difficult. The water was turned off during the hatching season, making it even more of a horrific scene. Trees continue to suffer in the heat. There are 400+ mature trees that are in imminent danger. There are no indications of the water being restored. The owner is not interested in doing this or in help with water costs and has quoted a monthly cost that makes little sense to anyone. Please note that the golf course uses non-potable water from SRP.

Thanks to neighbors and friends who tried to help with turtle relocation and placing water pools out for the animals. You have tried your best and it is appreciated.

The condition of the golf course property is bringing attention of the city, as there are minimal requirements for maintenance of the property. Action to remedy complaints has been slow. As you can imagine, this is not a priority for the owner. Please continue to report issues to Tempe 311.

Our petition signature gathering continues. The protest petition was turned in some time ago (requiring a super-majority vote of the council for rezoning approval). The general opposition to rezoning petition remains in circulation. If you know someone in Tempe that has not signed it, please direct them to our web site. It takes just seconds to sign. Thanks for your support. https://saveshalimar.com/petition/

You may be hearing rumors. Not unusual for a situation like this. If you have questions, need something confirmed, or just want to inquire on a Save Shalimar topic, please send an email to: info@saveshalimar.com

It is only because of the outpouring of support across Tempe (and beyond) and solidarity of purpose, that we have been able to thus far successfully push back against a powerful developer with a powerful team of professionals.

This is our neighborhood. This is our community. This is our city. The Owners/Developers are continuing to bet on battle fatigue, negative messaging to encourage acceptance, and a breakdown of solidarity within the community to achieve their destructive desires.

Not happening.

Developers – Don’t go away mad. Just go away.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 28th. At this time Shalimar is not on the agenda. We will continue to attend council meetings and participate in the open public comments’ forum, sharing stories of Shalimar and why we want to see it preserved.

The Shalimar Association will keep you informed of any changes. As previously mentioned, the next major milestone will be a DRC meeting. We will want to have as strong of attendance as we did at the developer neighborhood meetings.

Stay tuned.

The Shalimar Association / Save Shalimar Campaign