P
hoenix and Tempe have resolved a long-standing dispute over a 46-acre site near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, where a mixed-use development with apartments was initially proposed. The two cities agreed to amend an intergovernmental agreement regarding noise and flight procedures at the airport, paving the way for up to 1,600 luxury apartments on Tempe-owned land.
The proposed development, which included a 16,000-seat arena for the Arizona Coyotes hockey team, had been met with resistance from Phoenix due to concerns that it would violate a 1994 agreement between the cities. However, after the Coyotes' plans fell through and the site was re-purposed for apartments, Tempe officials pushed forward with their plan.
Under the new agreement, apartments will be allowed near Priest Road and the Salt River, but single-family homes are still prohibited. To address noise concerns, Tempe has agreed to require noise insulation in any future developments. In return, Phoenix has dropped its lawsuit against Tempe.
