West Valley community looks at end of neighborhood eyesore

PEORIA, AZ - Big changes could soon be coming to a West Valley community where a large sand and gravel operation has caused problems for several residents.

The mining operation is near 114th and Olive avenues in Peoria. The project sits right next to a residential community.

“[It’s] not very appealing,” said resident Nancy Detweiler, who has lived in the community for two decades.

Detweiler told ABC15 the trucks used for the project create excessive noise and the vast plot of dirt can create blowing dust when the wind picks up.

“Sometimes you can’t see… across the street,” she said.

A new developer is getting close to purchasing the property with plans to fill in the giant hole. While there are no concrete plans on what will be built once the hole is filled in, some hope it helps improve the community.

“Many neighbors are happy, there are some that aren’t happy, I have to admit that, but by and large I think it’s a benefit for the neighborhood,” said Attorney Paul Gilbert with the law firm Beus Gilbert, which represents the developer.

Gilbert said filling in the hole could take about 15 years, which makes it bittersweet for Detweiler, who now worries about issues that could come with the construction.

“It’s not going to look too nice with all that construction junk down in there for a long time,” Detweiler said.

Once the developer officially acquires the land, Gilbert said construction could begin within the next year.