Hodge: Gateway to a more prosperous, stronger North Tempe

Courtesy City of Tempe

For decades, the North Tempe community has been in need of more attention, more resources and, simply put, more love. 

The area north of Tempe Town Lake is  ripe for development. Residents routinely tell me that they yearn for grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, salons and other gathering spots to replace the pawn shops, thrift stores, older apartment buildings and motels. 

I am ecstatic to announce that my fellow members of Tempe City Council and I have heard these calls. We have sprung into action. 

The first project I am delighted to introduce is the Tempe Gateway Project. Here, ColRich, will redevelop an apartment complex located at the intersection of McKellips Road and North Scottsdale Road.

It seeks to replace it with a new, high-quality, mixed-use development which will include a five-story apartment complex with over 900 units and numerous commercial uses.

Though there were plenty of unfounded rumors being spread about the proposal, the project is consistent with General Plan 2050. 

The second project I am honored to write about is one we introduced at our June 27 regular city council meeting. At this meeting, the city of Tempe adopted a resolution to acquire ownership of improved properties at Pollack Food City Plaza, located at 1811-1859 North Scottsdale Road.

This effort has been a partnership between our city manager, the Economic Development Department, the Housing Services division and Michael Pollack, a nationally recognized commercial real estate owner, developer and philanthropist. 

This new development, which was received enthusiastically by North Tempe residents, may include a grocery concept, a police substation and affordable housing. As one resident said, "It's really something we need up here." 

The door to my office in Tempe City Hall is always open. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 480-350-8748, or email me at berdetta_hodge@tempe.gov.