Concerned Tempe residents are speaking out against the rezoning and redevelopment of the Shalimar Golf Course, as some of these individuals have attended recent city council meetings to share why they do not want to see the iconic green space replaced.
Shalimar Golf Course, located by Loop 101 and Southern Avenue, has an agreement set to expire in 2025 that protects the “community-centered” golf course, according to the Save Shalimar website.
“Save Shalimar” is an initiative by The Shalimar Association, a group of homeowners in the Shalimar neighborhood that is dedicated to assuring that the course remains a golf course, including the land containing the driving range, maintenance yard and clubhouse.
As part of Save Shalimar, the group is focused on opposing the rezoning of the property to allow for more housing, forcing developers to follow existing zoning restrictions and working with the city, property owners and other stakeholders on an agreeable solution.
“With the restrictive covenant on the Shalimar Golf Course set to expire at the beginning of 2025, the current owners have entered into a purchase sale agreement with a developer,” the group’s website stated.
BB Living, the developer, has submitted preliminary plans to the city that propose a high-density housing project, changing the zoning designation and bringing about more housing at the expense of the golf course, according to The Shalimar Association.
Local reports state that close to 300 residential units will take over the 44-acre, nine-hole golf course. It’s also been reported that Mayor Corey Woods would support the redevelopment and rezoning of the property only if the Shalimar neighborhood homeowners support the move.
Resident input
At Tempe City Council’s Sept. 19 meeting, community members spoke during public comment against the redevelopment of the Shalimar Golf Course, urging council to protect the green space by voting “no” on the proposed rezoning and development.
And they are not alone. Previously, at city council’s Sept. 5 meeting, three other community members also shared these sentiments, asking that city council consider preserving the Shalimar Golf Course.
Tempe resident Chris Rogers, who spoke at the Sept. 19 meeting, said that as a resident of over 20 years, he sees how Shalimar plays an important role in the community. As he put it, it’s a gathering point for people to get to know and socialize with their neighbors — an important asset at a time when community engagement is still recovering.
“This is not just an opportunity to preserve neighborhood character as the 2050 plan intended, but rather an important gathering spot benefiting the mental and physical health of all residents in the ZIP code,” Rogers said.
Alonna Randall, Tempe resident, spoke in support of preserving the Shalimar Golf Course at city council's Sept. 19 meeting.
Courtesy City of Tempe
(Courtesy City of Tempe)
Rogers was joined by two other community members at the meeting who also asked city council to veto the proposed housing project, which would consist of 277 homes and townhomes similar to those in the surrounding area.
Another long-time resident Alonna Randall said at the meeting that she is particularly concerned about the rapid disappearance of Tempe’s wide-open green spaces as a result of increasing developments.
She said that green spaces like the Shalimar Golf Course help to minimize the heat island effect as temperatures continue to rise and also contribute positively to improving air quality for the neighborhood
“While growth is important, it’s critical that we balance it with the preservation of open spaces for the longterm wellbeing of our community and for our children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” Randall said.
She asked that as city council considers the rezoning and redevelopment of the Shalimar Golf Course, council members should ensure that the city’s growth does not come at the cost of the environment.
City Council will decide on the rezoning of the Shalimar Golf Course at its Oct. 1 regular meeting.
Reporter Caroline Yu can be reached at cyu@iniusa.org. To voice your opinion on this story, connect with us at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
Meet Caroline Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.
Community: She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French.
Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years.
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