I think my jaw must have hit the floor several times while reading the article on page six of the November 2011 edition of Planning magazine. Entitled “Major Arizona Land Plan Awaits State Action,” an entire page is dedicated to describing how 275 square miles of more sprawl is “planned” across deserted (literally) open space and natural landscapes east of Phoenix. Are you kidding me?

First, let me make this clear that I am not criticizing the author of the story who presented the project details and history in a clear and concise manner. On the other hand, I am not sure whether I was more stunned by the sheer size and audacity of the project or that Planning magazine felt this was an appropriate topic to be touting.

Despite references to the project (Superstition Vistas) being developed as a sustainable community with achievable outcomes, it seems to be yet another case of overdevelopment in a region of the country that already has shortages of fresh water, thousands of foreclosed homes, and apparent disregard for creating density. Has the planning profession not learned anything in the past thirty years or am I stuck in some sort of time warp episode on Fringe? Exactly how can you say a community is “sustainable” or “green” when it gobbles up 275 square miles of desert with mostly small lot, single-family homes? As I noted in a previous post, dense sprawl is still sprawl.

Furthermore, the population growth estimates for Greater Phoenix that would help make the project viable in the first place seem almost laughable given the current economy, the ongoing foreclosure crisis, Arizona’s unfortunate immigration policies, and the slowing of movement to the Sunbelt. I hope they are not relying on a “build it and hope they come” philosophy.

All in all, it appears the Eagles were exactly right in their song “The Last Resort,” when they sang,

“They call it paradise I don’t know why You call someplace paradise Kiss it goodbye.”

Am I wrong here? I would be curious to hear feedback from others.