Berman, 2 mayors want it built  

Betty Beard
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 21, 2006 12:00 AM  

Gilbert's Steve Berman and two other Southeast Valley mayors have endorsed construction of the South Mountain Freeway in Ahwatukee Foothills, an action likely to irritate freeway opponents and many residents of the isolated Phoenix community.

Berman, Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker and Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn issued a joint statement calling the freeway "a critical part of our regional freeway system" that can cut travel times across the Valley.

The proposed 22- to 26-mile freeway, which would run along Pecos Road and the southern end of Ahwatukee Foothills, has drawn opposition from residents there because at least 217 homes would have to be razed. Opponents also cite possible noise and pollution.  

But according to the mayors' statement: "Ahwatukee residents are likely to benefit most from the freeway, through shorter commute times and increased property values as the subdivision is freed from its stigma as 'the world's largest cul-de-sac.' "

That stance didn't sit well with Melanie Pai, founder of the anti-freeway group Protecting Arizona's Resources and Children.

Pai said it was irresponsible for the mayors to issue the statement without knowing what the environmental impact would be on the area.

"I would much rather live in the world's largest cul-de-sac than have 9,000 children attending school next to the world's most ridiculous, self-inflicted health hazard," she said.