Avondale begins planning for Estrella Foothills

The Estrella Foothills in Avondale's planning area represents boundless opportunities for development, while at the same time offering significant challenges and obstacles.

That is what the Avondale City Council is faced with as it begins planning the development of that area, between Lower Buckeye Road and the Estrella Mountain Regional Park.

The council this week began laying the groundwork for charting that development, though much work is ahead.

For one thing, the city must go to the residents who live in the Estrella Foothills area, which covers about 13 square miles, and ask what they want. The land is half developed and contains county islands that likely won't want to be part of the city.

The area also is home to Phoenix International Raceway and the confluence of the Gila and Agua Fria rivers. And it will be bisected by the proposed Arizona 801 freeway.

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