Community group sets sights on blocking VAI Resort development in Glendale
Worker Power group aims to follow Tempe’s lead in stalled Coyotes’ project
Independent Newsmedia
Posted 7/24/23
Worker Power, a community group that advocated against the proposed Coyotes arena and entertainment district in Tempe, is gathering signatures to block the upcoming VAI Resort in Glendale, according to a Monday news release.
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Worker Power, a community group that advocated against the proposed Coyotes arena and entertainment district in Tempe, is gathering signatures to block the upcoming VAI Resort in Glendale, according to a Monday news release.
The issues raised by Worker Power echo the concerns about the Coyotes development: large property tax breaks and lack of transparency.
“When I canvassed in Tempe about the Coyotes, voters were eager to be the ones making the decision for their city," Shawn Foley, Glendale resident and Worker Power canvasser, shared in a statement. "This is my chance to help my neighbors make their voices heard. Glendale voters are signing the referendum in droves. For most, it's the first time they're hearing about the tax break and they are outraged. Their reactions make sense because the last vote on this development was added to the agenda the day before the meeting, giving us little time to give public comment.”
The VAI Resort is a 60-acre luxury resort near the State Farm Stadium, home to the Arizona Cardinals. The resort is receiving a 25-year government property lease excise tax (GPLET) exemption.
“If there is one thing all developers hoping to build in Arizona should know, it’s that Arizona voters believe in fairness. And the unrestrained and unnecessary use of GPLETs is not playing fair,” Brendan Walsh, Worker Power executive director, stated. “If developers want property tax breaks, then voters will want to see that they are getting real community benefits. I see the work we are doing as allowing voters the opportunity to have a say in how the cities they live in are built.”
The new $1 billion destination resort will be the biggest in Arizona with 1,100 rooms, and will be rounded out by four hotel towers, a two-story nightclub, 12 dining establishments, 10 unique bars, a man-made party island, a 5-acre swimming oasis surrounded by white sand beaches, luxury retail, a Spa and Wellness Center, and the world’s first Mattel Adventure Park.
The complex is scheduled to have phased openings in 2024.
The resort broke ground in June of 2021, and will eventually have 1,800 employees.
