The speed with which the Target rezone was pushed through the public process should be alarming to all Fountain Hills residents.

The Planning and Zoning Commission did not approve the developer’s proposal in early January with good reason: Many unanswered questions remain. Unfortunately, few if any substantive questions were asked by councilmembers during the Jan. 17 council meeting, either. Instead, we were treated to fawning comments from councilmembers about the developer as well as prepared, mostly rambling, speeches from Dickey, McMahon, Gryzbowski and Kalivianakis when they cast their vote to approve the high-density apartment complex.

No one asked the developer for any concessions such as less density, fewer stories, more green space, or even any deed restrictions that could protect the town in the future. One of the few genuine questions came from Skillicorn, who asked if anyone had received or would receive any financial benefit from the developer as a result of their vote. This question seemed warranted, given the speed with which this proposal was rushed through the public process. All any councilmember had to say was “no” and move on. Instead, several councilmembers, including Kalivianakis, got defensive.

I am thankful that the Reclaim Our Town group is spearheading a petition to get this issue on the ballot in the next election. It will provide more time for due diligence and better research on options and discussion concerning future consequences to the town. Is the answer to every financial problem in Fountain Hills a high-density apartment complex? The rezone of the Target property is too impactful to the entire town to be left up to four councilmembers.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.