(WITTMANN, Ariz.) As Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) receives delays and dodges safety questions for its widely opposed 4,200-acre rail hub in Wittmann, residents in western Maricopa County are calling on District Four Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko and the other members of the Board of Supervisors to put the proposal out of its misery so their home values can recover.
The facility would be the largest intermodal facility in the nation and would see tons of hazardous materials moving through it. BNSF has yet to release a safety plan should the worst happen. The project would impact Wittmann and surrounding communities such as Wickenburg, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, Morristown, and others.
The rail hub would create increased crime, traffic, noise and air pollution, and 18 million square feet of ugly warehousing space.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that home values are either stalled or falling as the threat of this project looms large in Wittmann and the surrounding communities. Would anyone want to buy a home next to this monstrosity?
Wittmann resident and local realtor Lyle Delp said, “This unwanted rail hub is causing asking prices to fall and tensions to rise as it is almost impossible to sell a home anywhere near the site. Surrounding communities are also feeling the negative effects.”
Wittmann resident Kirby Anderson said, “For most of us in Wittmann our homes and our land are our most valuable assets. Nobody can sell their home at market value and those of us who want to stay are seeing property values plummet. While BNSF dithers and dodges, my friends and neighbors face financial ruin.”
That’s why Kirby and his neighbors are calling on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to toss this proposal once and for all.
50 years ago when Arizona Public Service built the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant, leaders had the good sense to keep the facility miles and miles away from homes and businesses. They were not only thinking about public safety, but they were also thinking about the public good and property values of hard-working residents.
Wittmann resident Laura Deaver said, “That common sense from 1975 is desperately needed in 2025. Lives are at risk. Home values are at risk. Let’s end the uncertainty and put this project out of its misery.”
This controversial project has inspired a real-life documentary. The first two episodes of “The Lost Cowboys” have generated more than 160,000 views and a third episode will be released shortly. Follow this link to see episodes one and two. Media seeking interviews or additional details are asked to contact Mike Scerbo at [email protected] or call 602 615 6523.