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Over the next two to three years,
the seven of us will make decisions that will affect our next twenty years
and those twenty will form the foundation for our ultimate build-out in about
40-50 years. At that time, we will be as large as St. Louis or Miami. Together Goodyear and our western neighbor, Buckeye, will meet or exceed the
existing populations of cities such as San Francisco, Boston, Seattle and Denver.
What are our challenges over the
next twenty years?
In our first month as a Council,
we will make decisions on three major issues effecting the future of this
city: 1) the future alignment for the 303 freeway south of the Gila River, 2)
how much density should be permitted in our northwest corner and its impact
on Luke preservation and 3) how much density should be permitted throughout a
huge swath of land on our western border. Our rural heritage, large
tract open space and diversity in our housing products are on the table when
we vote on the updated General Plan. (Editor’s note: The City Council
voted on the General Plan on July 7th.)
Over the following two to three
years we will plan our future City Center and effectively determine the
future focus and image of Goodyear. What do we want Goodyear to be
known for? Do we want to be different and unique? If so, in what
way? We must permanently preserve Luke’s Southern Departure Corridor
from any residential development. We need to acquire land for more open
space and parks, determine the composition of our parks and plan old town
rejuvenation.
What are our challenges over the
next five to 10 years?
In the next five to 10 years,
residential areas north of I-10 should be largely built out. We will
move into the City Center, build the Bullard Rd. interchange at I-10, widen
I-10 through Goodyear, open the regional mall, complete the auto mall and
start the El Rio Project.
In the next 10 to 20 years, the
El Rio should be completed, the Broadway alignment freeway started, and the
303 freeway completed to the Gila River. Another bridge will be
constructed over the Gila River and intra- and inter-city mass transit
opportunities should be implemented.
Obviously, there’s a lot on the Goodyear
plate and this is only part of the agenda. The staff will plan and
manage the efforts. The Council will assist in defining the requirements and
make the final decisions regarding choices, timing, and funding.
We must be prepared to accept
innovation and wise enough to reject outmoded concepts. We must be
prepared to compromise, yet have the courage to confront. I offered and was
elected by the residents to lead in these efforts. I’m ready.
This term is underway!
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