Neighbors Urge Tempe Council to Preserve Shalimar Golf Course, Oppose Rezoning

Carmen Vargas, speaking as a Tempe resident and representative of the Save Shalimar campaign, told the Tempe City Council on Feb. 5 that a pending sale and proposed rezoning would replace the historic Shalimar Golf Course with high-density housing and threaten traffic, noise, and one of the city’s largest green spaces. Vargas said the Shalimar Association and more than 1,000 petition signers oppose the rezoning and urged the council to deny it.

Suzanne Casey, a longtime Tempe resident, told council the parcel is currently zoned AG-1 (one house per acre), which preserves the possibility of future green space, water recharge functions, mature trees and neighborhood character. Casey argued that current zoning prevents out-of-character, high-density projects and helps combat urban heat-island effects.

Speakers asked the council to work collaboratively with property owners and the city to find solutions that respect owner rights while preserving community green space. No final council action on a rezoning for Shalimar was recorded during public appearances at this meeting; speakers used the open-call portion to register opposition and request future consideration on the formal agenda.