Folks in 202 path deserve answers

The Arizona Republic
Jan. 11, 2006 12:00 AM

I am hoping for a more concrete reply or assurance from one of our elected officials. I feel we have nowhere to go.

My husband and I put all our savings into this home we bought and now we cannot seem to get those out at the time of our need. I am afraid that the big picture will overshadow the small community of people in Ahwatukee. Our opinion and vote will not matter when the big players get to decide.

The truck drivers and people in cars on Interstate 10 have not contributed to this community and the beautiful, serene surroundings. It is the people who live here, pay taxes and who appreciate this setting and South Mountain Park for all its natural beauty.  

It will not help if the governor does not bring this up more publicly that locating the freeway south of Pecos will be better for everyone. I find it hard to believe that very many Foothills property owners east of Central would take the route to 55th Avenue (best case) just to head east on Interstate 10 to go back to downtown Phoenix. And I find it nearly impossible to believe that anyone heading to downtown Phoenix from the Foothills would drive out to the Loop 101 connection just to head back to downtown Phoenix.

Based on your examination of the above, I think you will support the position that this route is really a Phoenix bypass for the truckers on I-10 heading west.

ADOT has wasted 20 years planning on this route, and it has still no solution.

We have also been told it will be a raised freeway, in the middle of a densely populated community and the largest municipal parks in the world. It's like ADOT is saying to us, "My way or the highway."

Residents deserve better planning and better answers. Will anyone respond?

Shona Mehta
Phoenix