Mold Remediation in Buckeye, AZ

The project has been in the works since 2019 and is expected to be the entertainment hub of Buckeye.

BUCKEYE, Ariz. — Drive along Interstate-10 in Buckeye and you'll see a lot of open land. However, officials say that's all about to change.

"Buckeye had a reputation for being a sleepy suburban town which was true for a long time but it's not what we see ourselves being in the future," Buckeye Planning Manager, Ken Galica, said.

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The project is called 'The Landing,' a 3.4 square mile area that'll soon transform the land near and around Verrado Way.

"It's exhilarating," Galica said. "It reaches up to I-10 on the north, goes almost to Jackrabbit to the east, to 215th Avenue on the west and to the south it stretches down to Yuma Road."

The plan became a reality in 2019. Galica says he's been one of many working on the project to help bring the vision to life. It's still in the planning phase and officials are still seeking public comment on what they'd like to see come to the area, but there is some activity starting to pick up.

"We're working on a specific area plan for 'The Landing' which will identify the types of land use we want to see," Galica said. "What design criteria there should be to really make this a unique place. I hate to use other examples from other places, but a good example would be the Scottsdale Quarter shopping mall. Another good example is what our neighbor to the east is doing in Goodyear with their Civic Campus. Except we have so much more land than both of those places."

So what will the area become? A public planning meeting is taking place Nov. 6 at 5:30 p.m. Anyone who has any ideas or suggestions is welcome to attend the meeting that'll be held at new City Hall.

"I would expect things they are going to indicate they want to see are more restaurants, a greater variety of restaurants that are more fine dining and not drive-through," Galica said. "Shopping opportunities are usually popular as well."

Also a possibility, is what the city is calling unique living opportunities.

"I think we're going to see the periphery of The Landing continue to be active over the next two to three years," Galica said. "We're considering the core of the project would probably take off after that."

Officials say the future is bright for Buckeye, and this project, they feel, is proof of that.

"I think we want to be a city for everybody," Galica said. "We want to give all of our residents what they're looking for or even prospective residents a reason to move here."

For more information, you can go here.

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The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

Buckeye, AZ (October 22, 2024) – A tragic accident occurred Monday afternoon on State Route 85 north of Buckeye, resulting in the death of one individual. The collision involved a pickup truck and a semi-truck, prompting a response from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The crash took place at approximately 1:30 p.m., blocking the northbound lanes at milepost 147. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to assist those involved and to manage the traffic situation. As a result of the accident, the northbound lanes of SR 85 were closed for an extended period while authorities conducted their investigation and cleared the wreckage.

At this time, no further details regarding the circumstances of the crash or the identity of the deceased have been released. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather more information regarding the events leading up to the collision.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.

Truck Accidents in Arizona

Truck accidents in Arizona can have devastating consequences, as demonstrated by this tragic incident. Each year, numerous collisions involving large trucks and smaller vehicles occur on the state’s highways, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can lead to catastrophic outcomes when they are involved in accidents.

Factors contributing to truck accidents can include driver fatigue, speeding, improper loading, and mechanical failures. Additionally, the presence of large trucks on highways increases the complexity of driving conditions for all motorists. It is essential for drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to prevent such tragedies.

Victims of truck accidents often face a long road to recovery, including extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support. The impact of these accidents extends beyond the immediate victims, affecting families and communities as they cope with the aftermath.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, it is crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Understanding your rights and options can help protect you from the challenges that may arise in the aftermath of such incidents. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in navigating the complexities of insurance claims and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Our comprehensive database provides key details and support options for those affected by accidents. Let us help you understand your options and find the support you require during this difficult time. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.

Tract, a developer of master-planned data center parks, recently announced its acquisition of a 2,069-acre land parcel in Buckeye. The land acquisition will be one of the largest data center parks in the United States, anticipating up to 20 million square feet of data center space across as many as 40 individual data centers at full build-out. Tract is currently working with the local utility on plans for long term growth with new power infrastructure which could support up to 1.8GW. The land parcel sold for $136 million and the long-term plan is for the data center to create a $20 billion development when complete.

MORE NEWS: Arizona Land Consulting acquires 131 acres in Buckeye for $20 million

DEEPER DIVE: Phoenix data center market displays remarkable momentum

Phoenix is consistently recognized as one of the top three data center markets in the United States. Buckeye, located in Maricopa County, is the westernmost suburb in the Phoenix metropolitan area and is Arizona’s largest city by area. Tract worked closely with city officials to identify the ideal location for the technology park to create a planned path for data center growth that also ensures the best outcomes for the community.

“This project represents a major milestone for Buckeye. Through our collaboration with Tract, we’ve positioned Buckeye to host one of the largest data center technology parks in the country, driving substantial revenue and ensuring a thriving, sustainable future. By identifying land near the airport, we replaced an outdated planned community with a decades-long plan for economic growth,” said Eric Orsborn, Mayor of Buckeye, Arizona. “Projects of this size require a well thought out, executable plan especially when analyzing the infrastructure needs of communities and we are pleased that this project reduces water demand, preserves natural spaces and creates hundreds of high-paying jobs.”

Buckeye is emerging as a strategic energy hub as it is home to Kore Power’s KOREPlex lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility and Fortescue’s recently announced green hydrogen production facility as well as its proximity to the Palo Verde generating station. As such, Buckeye presents a natural expansion path for existing data centers to grow within the Phoenix market over the coming decade. “We have conviction that the Greater Phoenix market will continue to play a critical role in hyperscale data center networks,” explained Grant van Rooyen, CEO of Tract. “We especially appreciate the engagement and partnership from Mayor Orsborn, City Council, and Staff through this process.”

The land acquisition was the result of a 24-month, collaborative effort between Tract and representatives from the state of Arizona, city of Buckeye and Anita Verma-Lallian, CEO of Arizona Land Consulting, who represented the seller, Cipriani Holdings, LLC, on the transaction.

With the acquisition of this site, Tract adds to its portfolio of master-planned, zoned, powered land tailored to the scale that will be required for future data center campuses. Tract has over 23,000 acres under control across the country, including:

Innovative operation will help meet growing demand for sustainable packaging

The Blue Polymers facility will specialize in recycled polyethylene, commonly found in milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles, and polypropylene, used in consumer packaging like margarine tubs and yogurt cups. These plastics will be processed and formulated into high-quality, drop-in solutions for the packaging industry.

“Blue Polymers was created to meet the need for high-quality recycled plastics for use in consumer packaging and other applications,” said Tim Oudman, Senior Vice President, Sustainability Innovation at Republic Services and a member of Blue Polymers’ board of directors. “We’re grateful to the City of Buckeye and the Arizona Commerce Authority for their support for this project, as well as to our development partners at Merit, FCL Builders and Butler Design Group.”

Phoenix-based Republic Services, a joint venture partner in Blue Polymers, is developing a network of regional plastics recycling facilities called Polymer Centers. These centers, the first of their kind in North America, produce high-quality, color-sorted recycled plastics directly from Republic’s national curbside collection operations. Each Republic Polymer Center will be paired with a Blue Polymers facility; the Buckeye facility will process materials from Republic’s Las Vegas Polymer Center, which opened in late 2023.

“We are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of Blue Polymers’ recycled plastics production facility in Buckeye,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The addition of this facility adds to Arizona’s leadership in sustainable technologies while creating more jobs for Arizona residents.”

“This regional recycling plant solidifies Buckeye’s commitment to bringing high-quality, advanced manufacturing jobs to our residents,” said Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn. “Blue Polymers’ investment in the city, along with their innovative strategies to use recycled plastics for everyday consumer products, will ensure we remain a vibrant, sustainable community.”

Demand is rising for domestically sourced, high-quality recycled plastics from both voluntary sustainability commitments and state legislation. Many consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies are pledging to incorporate more recycled content into their packaging designs. At the same time, five states have implemented minimum recycled content requirements for single-use packaging. Republic’s Polymer Centers and Blue Polymers’ innovative facilities will help meet this demand.

Blue Polymers’ facilities aim to support true package-to-package circularity, with an annual production target of 300+ million pounds of recycled resins. The Buckeye facility joins the previously announced Indianapolis location as part of Blue Polymers’ network of four regional facilities.

Media ContactsBlue Polymers: Media@BluePolymers.com

Alyssa Tufts, Arizona Commerce Authority, alyssat@azcommerce.com

Annie DeChance, City of Buckeye, adechance@buckeyeaz.gov

About Blue PolymersBlue Polymers, LLC is a joint venture bringing together leaders in collection, recycling, processing and distribution to transform plastics circularity and support sustainable packaging. Learn more at BluePolymers.com.

About the Arizona Commerce AuthorityThe Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter @azcommerce.

Arizona Republic

Four candidates are competing in the November 2024 election for three four-year seats on the Buckeye Union High School District Governing Board: Brandon Shelton, David Sousa, incumbent Brian Turner and write-in candidate Margarita Flores, whose name will not appear on the ballot. Flores is the only write-in candidate for whom votes will be tallied.

Though school district governing board races are toward the bottom of the ballot, their outcomes have real consequences for the more than 880,000 children who attend public school districts across the state. The individuals voters select will help create policies, set budgets, choose curricula and educational materials and oversee superintendents. School board races are nonpartisan, and being a school board member is unpaid.

In Maricopa County, candidates are competing for governing board seats in 33 school districts. Some voters may also see other school-related questions on their ballot: Three districts in the Phoenix area are seeking approval to sell district-owned property, and 26 are seeking approval for funding measures.

The Buckeye Union High School District is seeking voter approval for a $155 million bond measure to fund safety and security measures; student laptops; remodels of restrooms and science and art classrooms; student transportation vehicles; air conditioning unit replacements; and the construction of a new school. The estimated yearly tax rate for the bond is $0.54 per $100 of assessed property value.

Here are the Buckeye Union High School District Governing Board candidates' responses to The Arizona Republic's candidate questionnaire. Turner did not respond. Responses have been edited for clarity.

What will voters decide in 2024? Who will be joining Maricopa County school boards

Personal and professional experience

What experiences, personal or professional, would inform your role as a school board member?

Margarita Flores (write-in): I've been working in Arizona's public education system since 1990. My roles have been a resource paraprofessional, preschool Instructor, Spanish interpreter, Migrant Program coordinator, and office clerk, and I've been an administrative assistant for the past 28 years.

Not only did I graduate from BUHSD, my two daughter also graduated from BUHSD. My youngest is currently a freshman at NAU, and my oldest graduated from NAU a few years ago.

My roots have been in the Buckeye community. I have enjoyed seeing the growth yet still having the community feel in our city.

Brandon Shelton: I have been a resident of Buckeye for 20 years, and I'm the proud father of a BUHS student. My years of experience in running a business makes me a great fit for this role. I understand the difficult choices governing boards must make, and the fiscal accountability attached to those choices are a priority to me.

David Sousa: I am a retired Air Force senior enlisted leader with 30 years of active duty service. I have over four decades of leadership and administrative experience. I have also volunteered the last five years in each of the three high schools. I have shared my experience and lessons on leadership, communication, training, and personal and professional growth.

Goals for the district

What do you hope to accomplish if elected?

Flores (write-in): To be a Governing Board member is an important responsibility. I want to be open to all feedback from staff, students and parents. You won't make everyone happy, but at the end of the day, my decision will be what is best for the students and what is best for BUHSD.

Shelton: I hope to bring transparency and responsible spending to the district.

Sousa: My goal is to see that students are well prepared to take on the challenges of living an independent life after high school. Additionally, I want to make sure teachers are given the support and tools they need to provide the best education possible for all students.

Supporting English language learners and students with disabilities; preparing students for college or career

How would you work to ensure students are college- or career-ready? How would you work to support students learning English and students with disabilities?

Flores (write-in): Support the current programs in place. Gear Up has been instrumental in assisting parents to know of the different avenues of continuing education after high school. They have resources available for students and parents in regards to financial aid, scholarships, steps to take, etc. They have day and evening events for students and working parents.

For English language learners and students with disabilities: Again, continue to support the systems currently in place. There is always room for growth and improvement, and BUHSD has been doing a great job of their current programs.

Shelton: Return focus to preparing students for the next step in life.

Sousa: I will collaborate with industry and colleges to ensure students understand the options they have for furthering their education, career and life goals. As for students learning English, I would work with district leaders to ensure we have the right personnel to match the requirements and qualifications needed to support learning of the English language. Additionally, with my first-hand experience of having a child with learning disabilities, I would make sure that every student had a clearly defined educational plan and path that sets them up for success.

Educator recruitment and retention

How would you work to help recruit and retain quality educators?

Flores (write-in): 1-Ensure that our salaries are competitive yet keep the district fiscally responsible; 2-Provide support and the resources needed for quality instruction; 3-Request staff input (survey/s) on the sense of them feeling valued and supported by their admin and Governing Board along with ensuring a safe working environment.

Shelton: We need to work within our district to give our educators the tools they need to succeed.

Sousa: First, I would want to survey the current educators to see what makes them stay and what qualities do they see are needed to ensure the right educators are recruited. Second, I would want to survey the current students to ascertain whether they feel they are receiving a quality education. Finally, I would work with state education leaders to see what they are working on to bring in quality educators.

Behavioral health programming and counselors

What is your position on behavioral health programming and access to counselors in schools?

Flores (write-in): I highly support it. Mental health is important in the success of all our students.

Shelton: There should be unlimited access.

Sousa: In today's climate, communication between parents and educators is a must in order to assess the needs of behavioral health programs. As for counselors, this is a must in all schools!

Bonds and overrides

Do you support seeking additional funding for school facilities and operational costs via voter-approved and taxpayer-funded bond and override measures?

Flores (write-in): Yes. Buckeye is growing and if you have been to the campuses, you will see classrooms with maximum occupancy. BUHSD students are doing great things and we need to continue to give them the best opportunity for a great learning environment; more class spaces, competitive salaries to recruit and retain the best educators and support staff. Youngker High School had to maximize their space and by doing that, they had to give up a gym to add classrooms. Hopefully, the School Facilities Board will understand that the district has done the best they can and will soon approve the additional high school that is desperately needed in the district.

Shelton: No.

Sousa: Yes, to a point! Budgets need to be evaluated to ensure the public and taxpayers that what they are being asked to pay for is being managed correctly and efficiently!

Reach the reporter at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.