We moved to Peoria for the peace, not Amkor's eyesore factory

We moved to Peoria for the peace, not Amkor’s eyesore factory | Letters

Posted by author March 2, 2025 Jobs

Spread the love

Thousands of retirees chose the Vistancia community for its tranquility. Now, a massive semiconductor plant threatens our quality of life.

Vistancia has long been a peaceful bedroom community and a haven for retirees in Peoria.

With its award-winning master-planned design, Vistancia offers serene neighborhoods, luxury homes, golf courses, parks and resort-style amenities, including the highly regarded Trilogy at Vistancia — an exclusive, gated 55-plus community.

Residents chose Vistancia for its tranquility, clean air and the promise of a peaceful life away from industrial sprawl.

But that tranquility is now under serious threat.

Amkor Technology’s aggressive plan to construct a massive $2 billion semiconductor packaging facility in the heart of Vistancia has sparked outrage and fear among residents. The facility, slated to consume 55 acres of land, promises to bring nearly 2,000 jobs — but at what cost to the community?

Residents are now being forced to grapple with the reality of having a high-tech manufacturing plant in their backyard — an eyesore that threatens their quality of life, health and the very character of the community.

Increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, potential chemical leaks and the looming specter of environmental degradation all are now part of the grim future that Vistancia residents face.

Peoria has a chance to set a precedent: will it be a city that stands by its residents and the environment, or will it sacrifice both on the altar of short-term economic gain?

Michael Lindbeck, Peoria

Cuts make places of worship less safe

I am deeply troubled by the proposed cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency that threaten the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) for synagogues, churches and mosques.

This program is a vital shield for Phoenix-area synagogues, which have seen security costs increase.

The NSGP has fortified our community’s houses of worship, allowing the purchase of security cameras and other equipment and the hiring of security guards. These measures have provided immeasurable peace of mind to our congregants, allowing them to pray and gather without fear and send our children to faith-based programs.

We’ve seen too many tragedies unfold in places of worship across the country. Without NSGP, our community stands exposed to these growing threats.

Donald Schon, Paradise Valley

APS power line could ruin Sedona

The famed red rock vistas of Sedona are imperiled by an advanced plan by Arizona Public Service to string high-voltage power lines into the tourist-centric Sedona community of the Village of Oak Creek.

The new APS powerline transits an area formally identified as a high risk wildfire section of the forest on the southern outskirts of the village. Prevailing winds would drive a fire directly into nearby residential areas. The line would also destroy vistas of a section of State Route 179, the federally designated Red Rock Scenic Byway.

The local council has presented detailed refutations of the arguments presented by APS and contends that the APS cost figures for the statistically proven, safer underground cable are exaggerated.

The council’s efforts have been rebuffed, despite intervention by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and Yavapai County Supervisor Nikki Check.

Property owners are facing increased wildfire risk, spiraling home insurance rates and potentially reduced property values if APS ignores the risks this project poses to one of the scenic wonders of this country.

Stewart Wade, Sedona

Marana air crash cause is no mystery

Regarding the midair collision in Marana, the Code of Federal Regulations is quite clear.

“When weather conditions permit, regardless of whether an operation is conducted under instrument flight rules or visual flight rules, vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft. When a rule of this section gives another aircraft the right-of-way, the pilot shall give way to that aircraft and may not pass over, under, or ahead of it unless well clear.”

It was the responsibility of the Lancair 360 pilot to see and avoid the Cessna 172 already on the runway. It is sad this accident happened, nonetheless.

Ronald Rudnick, San Tan Valley

Scottsdale sewer fee is a money grab

Scottsdale residents who use irrigation for landscaping are likely being charged an excessive sewer fee on their city bill.

The volumetric fees are intended to cover water used inside the home that is discharged into the city’s sewer system and are calculated based on the average water consumption recorded during December, January and February.

Unfortunately, this calculation also factors in outdoor irrigation water that registers on our water meters — even though irrigation water does not actually flow into the city sewer system — resulting in residents being overcharged.

In the past, residents were allowed to submit an online appeal form each summer to request an adjustment of this fee. However, the adjustment process was mysterious and likely resulted in fees that were still excessive.

It’s bad enough that this administrative gimmick has been used for years but, to add insult to injury, the water department sent out letters last fall stating that, from now on, they will no longer consider irrigation water usage when accepting appeals. This change was approved by the city council.

This decision penalizes residents who use irrigation. In effect, we are being charged for a service that is not being provided. It appears to be a money grab by the city to increase revenue.

Andrew Poulos, Scottsdale

What’s on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor online or via email at opinions@arizonarepublic.com.