This is in response to the letter regarding the Loop 202 extension through Ahwatukee Foothills (“Freeway is coming so shift fighting efforts to a worthier cause,” AFN, March 21).
I don’t know any of these people you are referring to that are supposedly complaining about the air quality getting worse due to the freeway installation, we all know the air quality is bad everywhere in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Myself and my neighbors primary concerns are noise, blight (because if you think the Native American tribe won’t take advantage of having freeway frontage that they can develop into another Las Vegas, you’re nuts) and mainly loss of the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The wildlife will be affected as well, there won’t be anymore.
The Phoenix metropolitan area, which you are so familiar with, used to be a beautiful place 20 years ago. Urban development (freeway installation mainly) has ruined what was once a sight to behold, just look elsewhere in the Valley. There is precious little of this beauty left in the metro area, Ahwatukee is one of the few exceptions. The air quality has little to do with our concerns. I have been a resident of Phoenix for going on 20 years and have always felt that Ahwatukee is a jewel in an urban area. I’d like to say is and not was when speaking of my community. Adding a freeway through Ahwatukee is the most devastating thing we can do our community.
Kate Cain
