In a several-month-long attempt to ban automatic license plate reader cameras in Tempe, the city council will make a final decision on where the technology will stand in the city.
The first hearing occurred on Sept. 24 with comments from the public and city officials.
Tempe residents and political groups from around the Valley have shared their thoughts following the decision to turn off all ALPR cameras in July. Now, the council will vote to either approve or deny the ordinance on Thursday night.
While many groups approve of the idea, Tempe Police Chief Ken McCoy said during the Sept. 24 meeting that “Tempe Police would not approve of any ban on ALPR technology,” as the department often relies on it to solve crime.
Councilors asked McCoy to bring more statistics to the Oct. 15 meeting to help the council members with their vote.
The council will also discuss and vote on a rezoning permit for apartments in the Emerald Shopping Center on Warner Road and 1-10.
The concept called “The Dewitt” would have more than 300 units, many of which would be one-bedroom and studio units and a walking path to connect to the shopping and restaurants in the area.
Councilmember Brooke St. George said that she was excited to see more living units in the area but asked the counsel from Huellmantel and Affiliates to consider more two- and three-bedroom units for the neighborhood.
“This is in the heart of the Kyrene school district, and as we all know, they just closed several schools because there’s not enough housing in that area,” St. George said.
Both of these items are public hearing items and allow the public to share their thoughts with the council. To learn more about what to look for on the council agenda visit Home - OnBase Agenda Online.
To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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