Town weighing effects of taller buildings near Grand Canyon

TUSAYAN, Ariz. – Residents in a tiny town outside Grand Canyon National Park are voting on a proposed building height increase.

Millions of people drive through Tusayan each year on the way to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Town officials say raising the building height to 65 feet will allow for development that will entice tourists to stay longer in Tusayan.

Opponents say it’s a sweetheart deal for an Italian real estate company that long has eyed development in the town. They want assurances that the skyline, traffic, water and the Grand Canyon itself won’t negatively be affected.

Ballots for the all mail-in election are due Tuesday. A simple majority of 262 registered voters will decide the election.