SCOTTSDALE, AZ (AZFamily) \u2014 Residents near the Westin Kierland Resort are opposing a proposal that would replace one of the property\u2019s three nine-hole golf courses with a high-density housing development.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
What the proposal includes<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Dozens of homes back up to the course, and neighbors say the development would bring higher-density housing directly against existing neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
Signs of opposition<\/p>\n
Protest signs have appeared across the Kierland area, lining streets, hanging from balconies, and posted in front yards. The signs carry the message: \u201cDon\u2019t trade green for greed.\u201d<\/p>\n
I think we\u2019re all deeply saddened and frustrated by this,” said Mark LaPalm, the president of Kierland Homeowners Association.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will be looking at the first floor of a condominium, and then 54 feet of stucco,\u201d Forsythe said.<\/p>\n
Amy Satterfield of the Kierland Community Alliance said the concerns extend beyond aesthetics.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re concerned about accidents. The speed and volume of traffic, sewer issues, and the loss of wildlife habitat,\u201d Satterfield said. \u201cThis Audubon-certified golf course would disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community mobilizes<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not saying no development. We\u2019re just saying no development on this golf course,\u201d Mazza said.<\/p>\n
Host Hotels and Resorts Inc. did not respond to a request for comment on the proposal.<\/p>\n
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