2005 in review: Look back reveals time of change

By Doug Murphy
Ahwatukee Foothills News
1-4-06

Loop 202 debate heats up

Where to build a South Mountain Loop 202 went from a sleepy assumption that one day the Gila River Indian Community would probably give approval for its construction south of Pecos Road on tribal land to the sudden realization that the Indians have shown no interest in the freeway, leaving Pecos Road as the only possible route at the moment.

The Arizona Department of Transportation provided the stage for opposition to galvanize in November when it unveiled preliminary plans that ­ for the first time ­ showed the footprint of the freeway overlaid on Pecos Road, and explained the need to destroy between 255 and 659 homes to make room for the freeway depending on whether it is built at ground level or sunken to reduce noise, as many people would like.

ADOT would like to have the route finalized by the end of 2006 or early in 2007. The realization that the freeway would come within a few feet of 6,000 students and six schools prompted one resident, Melanie Pai to organize Protecting Arizona's Resources and Children (www.protectazchildren.org) and to begin a petition drive opposing Pecos Road as the route for the freeway for health reasons. Maps of the freeway can be viewed at www.southmountainfreeway.com.