The proposed BNSF Railway Co. development in Maricopa County is scheduled to undergo votes for approval by local authorities later this year, amidst ongoing dissent from residents. The Texas-based company is planning to build a 4,300-acre regional rail complex and industrial center, a project involving 18 million square feet of warehouses, in collaboration with CRG and The Kroenke Group. A major comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning application to Maricopa County replaced the original plan of annexation through the City of Surprise, as reported by ABC15.
Despite the strategic change in its application, the project has not eased the concerns of local inhabitants. In a meeting held on July 2, county officials examined items such as a traffic impact study, and road safety, while questioning its synergy with the Vision 2030 and White Tank Grand Avenue Area plans. The county has requested a clearer explanation from BNSF on why annexation in Surprise is no longer pursued, and, how the project intends to foster a better-connected regional infrastructure, according to a report by the Phoenix Business Journal.
Community backlashes have been relentless, as 46 letters of opposition were submitted to Maricopa County officials, raising issues over traffic, infrastructure capacity, emergency response times and environmental concerns. "It is really important as you move forward to address the fact that you already have some established rural and residential communities here out in this area, all of whom are likely to be greatly affected by this application," planner Joel Landis emphasized in a statement obtained by the Phoenix Business Journal. Susan Demmitt, the zoning attorney representing BNSF, outlined their willingness to discuss the raised issues with the city of Surprise and seek possible compromises.
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