Kyrene board may take a stand on freeway

Corinne Purtill
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 2, 2006 12:00 AM

AHWATUKEE - Kyrene School Board members may ask for more scrutiny on the impact of the proposed South Mountain Freeway on children in nearby schools.

Board members are worried about the proposed Pecos Road alignment's effect on their schools and may ask that it be moved as far from Ahwatukee as possible.

Because of increasing traffic in the Valley, "it can't be a no-build option," board member Rae Waters said.  

Waters is the author of a draft resolution presented to the Kyrene Elementary School District governing board Jan. 24.

Noting that four Kyrene elementary schools and one middle school are close to the Pecos alignment, the resolution cites concern that resulting air pollution, noise and traffic could harm children and learning. As currently written, the Kyrene draft resolution asks decision-makers to find an alternate route.

The board tabled the matter while it seeks legal advice on the type of language to use in the resolution, board President Rich Zawtocki said.

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