SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Residents near the Westin Kierland Resort are opposing a proposal that would replace one of the property’s three nine-hole golf courses with a high-density housing development.
Host Hotels and Resorts submitted an application to the City of Phoenix to convert the Mesquite Golf Course, roughly 72 acres, into a mix of housing under a plan called Copper Residences. The company could also choose to sell the land to a developer or multiple developers to build the housing.
What the proposal includes
The Mesquite course is divided by Greenway Parkway. The 16 acres on the north side would include high-end condos, with a proposed density of 10 to 15 units per acre and buildings reaching up to four stories. The 56 acres on the south side could include both condos and traditional single-family homes.
Dozens of homes back up to the course, and neighbors say the development would bring higher-density housing directly against existing neighborhoods.
Signs of opposition
Protest signs have appeared across the Kierland area, lining streets, hanging from balconies, and posted in front yards. The signs carry the message: “Don’t trade green for greed.”
I think we’re all deeply saddened and frustrated by this,” said Mark LaPalm, the president of Kierland Homeowners Association.
Neighbors say the proposed development would bring increased traffic and congestion to the area. Greg Forsythe, a resident whose home backs up to the course, said the change would directly affect his property.
“I will be looking at the first floor of a condominium, and then 54 feet of stucco,” Forsythe said.
Amy Satterfield of the Kierland Community Alliance said the concerns extend beyond aesthetics.
“We’re concerned about accidents. The speed and volume of traffic, sewer issues, and the loss of wildlife habitat,” Satterfield said. “This Audubon-certified golf course would disappear.”
Community mobilizes
Residents have been showing up at public meetings to voice their opposition. City Council candidate Danny Mazza said neighbors are not opposed to development outright.
“We’re not saying no development. We’re just saying no development on this golf course,” Mazza said.
Host Hotels and Resorts Inc. did not respond to a request for comment on the proposal.
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