Joe Grana

Two bridges crossing Tempe Town Lake near Mill Avenue.

The city of Tempe wants the Arizona Supreme Court to review an appeals decision about a proposed development project known as the South Pier at Tempe Town Lake.

The legal battle over the project began after an advocacy group gathered enough signatures to bring the matter to Tempe voters. The group pointed to a lack of affordable housing units.

Tempe officials said the project could not be referred to a voter referendum because the development was an “administrative action.” So, they went to court.

A Maricopa County Superior Court first ruled that the petition signatures gathered by the advocacy group could not be used because they didn’t comply with state law. The Court of Appeals disagreed and reversed that decision.

Now, the city of Tempe is appealing to the Arizona Supreme Court.