202, Gila River impact debated

Foothills issues aired at meeting

Nedra Lindsey
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 27, 2005 12:00 AM

The future South Mountain Freeway and the impact of plans by the Gila River Indian Community topped discussions at a Town Hall meeting with Phoenix Councilman Greg Stanton.

A small but vocal group gathered Monday night to talk about speeding, the city budget and education, but the bulk of the discussion focused on Loop 202 and the impact on Ahwatukee Foothills of development on the reservation.

The consensus appeared to be that, regardless of where the freeway is built, development projects on the reservation would transform Ahwatukee Foothills from an isolated community tucked between a mountain and an underpopulated desert to a crossroads.

For years, the Gila River Indian Community has pressed Phoenix to open up streets along Pecos Road to facilitate traffic between the two areas.

They are negotiating which streets to open. With the relocation of Rawhide from Scottsdale to the Gila River Indian Community, those negotiations have intensified.

Stanton conceded blocking the Gila's access to roads would be legally unproductive.

Instead, the councilman said he prefers nurturing the relationship.

"I think the relationship between Scottsdale and the Pima has been a positive thing," said Stanton, who would like to see an intergovernmental pact between Phoenix and the Gila River Indian Community. "In the long run, we will do better by having a positive relationship with the Gila."

But concerns about traffic and crime lingered among some at the meeting.

"Why are we opening up our peaceful community where we have our families," said Joyce Herrington, adding that crime may rise in the area once streets are opened and development starts.

Greta Rogers, who said she has worked with members of the Gila River Indian Community, believes concerns about lewd conduct and illegal acts are unwarranted.

"They want it for easier access," Rogers said. "It will be mutually economically beneficial."

The construction of the South Mountain Freeway was a foregone conclusion for some of the residents.

Stanton disagreed, insisting that the 21-year-old project may not be built along Pecos Road.

"Make no mistake, the people will decide," Stanton said. "I believe it is in the best interest of the community to build that road when we have a reasonable alternative."

Not everyone is against the freeway coming through Ahwatukee Foothills.

"We can't close ourselves off and say, 'Hey we're special,' " said Dave Davenport who bemoaned the gas he spends on his 30-mile-plus work commute to the west side.