Controversial Development a Big First Step Into Untouched Desert North of Phoenix

The developers of 1,400 homes in the desert north of Phoenix say they understand the responsibility of being the first to develop an area. Opponents would rather there was no development at all.

1 minute read

May 15, 2019, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Miles of mostly untapped earth sprawl between the two major mountain ridges that make up the Sonoran Preserve in north Phoenix — but it won't be undeveloped for long," reports Jessica Boehm.

Developer Taylor Morrison is looking to be the first to break ground in this corner of the Sonoran Desert, with a plan for a 1,400-home development called MacEwan 480.

"Frequent visitors of the Sonoran Preserve and those who live nearby have united to oppose the project, saying it is too dense, goes against city plans meant to protect the desert character of north Phoenix and will bring an influx of traffic to the area," according to Boehm.

The development could pave the way for more. MacEwan 480 is surrounded by state trust land "that could also someday be sold off and developed."

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