Four former Tempe Mayors, Harry Mitchell, Neil Giuliano, Hugh Hallman, and Mark Mitchell, have differing backgrounds and policies but they are all supporting a plan to convert an old Tempe landfill into a new sports and entertainment district, along the banks of the Tempe Town Lake. They are all endorsing Proposition 301, 302, and 303. They said so at a news conference held at the Four Peaks Wilson tasting room.
They were joined by residents, business leaders, and players from the Arizona Coyotes.
The four former mayors and others spoke out at a time when the City of Phoenix Aviation Department has filed a legal action against Tempe.
A development team is offering to buy an old unlined toxic landfill near the Town Lake for $50 million dollars. They will then haul away the trash and toxins. Tempe pays nothing for this.
The project will create $33 million for public safety, and $225 million in new revenues in Tempe. The project is being privately funded, and no city funds are at risk. The landfill is currently generating pollution but no revenue for the City.
Shortly after a November council meeting, Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said the plan, “Has the makings of the best sports arena/stadium deal in the history of Arizona.”
Harry Mitchell said, “These propositions represent an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to clean-up a city liability with private dollars.
Neil Giuliano said, “The is the right plan and the right time to get rid of a toxic landfill and generate thousands of new jobs. This project fulfills the decades long vision of the Rio Salado Project in Tempe. There is no alternative, and the time is now to bring the full vision to reality.”
Hugh Hallman said, “This is a tremendous opportunity for Tempe making it a more competitive venue for sports and entertainment. Perhaps that’s why Phoenix is trying to prevent it from happening.”
Mark Mitchell said, “We have the opportunity to generate millions in new tax revenues which can be used for social services, public safety, and housing.”
Ballots on Props 301, 302, and 303 will be mailed April 19th and must be returned by May 16th.
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