Supporters of Shalimar –
We recently held our annual association meeting and Save Shalimar update. We had great attendance, including Mayor Woods, Councilmember St. George, and several members of the Tempe Code Compliance and Planning Team.
We took a moment to celebrate our most significant accomplishment in 2026: Withdrawal of the proposed high-density rental project by BB Living. This was a direct result of thousands of Tempe citizens making their voices heard to the Tempe City Council.
Currently the Developer has not submitted any new plans for the site.
When the proposal was withdrawn in May, Developer BB Living indicated they intended to build one house per acre (allowable zoning) AND build 3 Alternative Dwelling Units (ADU’s) on every acre simultaneously. The development would be all rentals. This obviously is an attempt by the Developer to go about achieving high density in what on the surface may appear to be within the law. It also is not what the intention of the ADU law was when passed by the state legislature. The idea of developers creating vast rental compounds anchored by a primary rental main home and three additional tenant dwellings is a gross miss-application of the ADU legislation.
Code Compliance and Property Maintenance – this was a major topic and the source of many neighbor questions. The city is working with the owners to address the 100+ complaints (and climbing). The Tempe Fire Department recently conducted a site inspection. This is an on-going effort with the City of Tempe. We appreciate the support of the city and all of you for taking time to document and report issues.
Maintenance and code compliance is not something that the owners are concerned enough about to take proactive measures. Their strategy has been ‘let it all go’ and wait for complaints to be filed and the city to compel them to act.
It is extremely disappointing and sad to watch what is happening to this 60+ year-old ecosystem and Tempe gem. Scorched earth, death, and destruction. This is entirely driven by owner greed. There were (and are) options that could resolve this, but it requires owner engagement. The owners are maintaining a position of overvaluing the property (rationalized from the beginning by an assumption of High-Density rezoning) and are still holding out for their developer to find a workaround to build, regardless of what the costs are to the Shalimar community.
Citizens are requested to report any maintenance complaints into Tempe 311.
https://www.tempe.gov/government/communication-and-marketing/tempe-311/submit-service-request
You can also call Tempe 311: 480-350-4311.
Tempe City Council – we ask that you continue to let the Mayor and Tempe City Council know your position on Shalimar. Please use the email address: councilcommunicator@tempe.gov
The Shalimar neighborhood remains in solidarity with the surrounding Tempe community in opposition to high-density development and the destruction of this 44-acre greenspace. We encourage all community members to strongly stand against this obvious attempt by the owner to ‘motivate’ neighbors via ecological blight creation into accepting any proposal. As a society, WE CANNOT REWARD THIS KIND OF BEHAVIOR.
Donations for Legal Support – we are expecting the need for additional legal support as we begin to navigate new legislation and how the Alternative Dwelling Unit (ADU) may apply to any development in Shalimar. Misuse of the ADU law by Developers is something that should concern us all. What was intended as generational housing and homeowner income opportunity, could quickly become yet another way for Developers to manipulate communities and take advantage in their quest for perpetual income via large corporate owned rental complexes. Any financial support you can provide is appreciated.
During our meeting we also announced a New Shalimar Association President for 2027. Sean Rogers will be leading the association as we continue our effort to see a resolution via a collective and collaborative effort by all stakeholders. Sean is a long-time resident of Shalimar and owns a home on the golf course. He has been a board member of the Shalimar Association for several years.
Sean has outlined focus areas for the remainder of 2026 and into 2027. Please read through the presentation below for more specifics. This fight is far from over. Save Shalimar will continue to adapt to the changing conditions and adjust strategy as needed. Your continued support is critical. Our greatest power is our collective community strength.
Finally, as the out-going President of the Shalimar Association / Save Shalimar Campaign the past 2 years, I want to thank all of you who supported me in our collective effort to stop the rezoning of Shalimar. I plan to remain engaged and on the Shalimar Association board, supporting Sean as he leads this next phase of our mission to Save Shalimar.
Regards,
Carl Streiff
October 2026 Shalimar Association / Save Shalimar Presentation
