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On November 17, 1998, the City Council approved the Capital Construction Fund to be used for improvements to the City's existing infrastructure. One of the uses of this fund is for the Street Modernization Program.

This program will be used to upgrade existing local and collector streets that are lacking curb, gutter, and sidewalk. Currently, there is sufficient funding to reconstruct about three to five miles of local or collector streets per year.

Benefits of Program

An improved street can increase property values and provide a safer, more attractive neighborhood. These improvements can develop community pride and encourage residents to make other improvements as well. Also the fully improved streets can improve the drainage by collecting the water along the curb and gutter and channeling it into the City's storm drain system.

Prioritization Process

In order to ensure that these funds are being used effectively and efficiently, a prioritization system has been developed. This system favors streets in fully developed residential neighborhoods.

The prioritization factors are as follows:

• Street Classification (10 points)
  Collector streets (usually ½ mile streets) receive 10 points, local streets - 5 points, and all others receive no points.

• Available Right-of-Way (10 points)
  This is based on the percentage of available right-of-way along the proposed project. The property owner must donate needed right-of-way or the street cannot be improved.

• Developed Land Use (10 points)
  This factor is based on the land use of the adjoining properties. Residential properties receive full credit, all others receive ½ credit and vacant property receives no credit.

• Existing Condition (10 points)
  Half streets (streets that are only improved to the centerline) get 10 points. Streets without curb and gutter on both sides get 5 points.

• Neighborhood Revitalization (10 points)
  This factor is based on the level of neighborhood support. Petitions and/or letters from property owners supporting the project are examples of support.

• Other Factors (5 points each)
  
  • Access to schools
  • Connects to bus routes
  • On a bike route
  • Access to parks
  • Bottleneck condition
  • Access to other large traffic generators (churches, shopping malls, etc)

Other Requirements

The candidate street segment must be a City owned and maintained local or collector street. Private streets, which are maintained by the adjacent residents or homeowner associations, are not eligible for this program.

How to Apply for Street Improvements

Interested property owners or citizen groups can submit their request in writing to:

City of Phoenix
Street Transportation Department
Programming and Street Lighting Section
200 W. Washington St, Fifth Floor
Phoenix, AZ 85003-1611
(602) 262-6284

The request should state the street segment and limits. In order to obtain a higher prioritization score, a petition signed by all abutting property owners stating that they support the project should be submitted also.

If right-of-way is needed, a signed petition or letter from the property owner(s) stating that they will donate the right-of-way can increase the prioritization score. Our staff can assist property owners to determine if right-of-way is needed.

Property owners must also be aware that any items such as fencing, landscaping, etc. that conflict with the proposed street improvements will need to be removed or relocated.

Approval Process and Timeline

Each request for street improvements is rated according to the prioritization system and the top rated street segments in each Council District are recommended to the City Council for funding each year. Once the project is approved, usually in the fall of each year, an engineer is hired to draw up construction plans.

These plans can take from six to twelve months to prepare, depending on the complexity of the project. After the plans are completed, construction usually begins within two to three months. These projects can take from two to four months to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be any cost to me for these improvements?
No. These improvements will be done at no cost to the property owner.

Will my property taxes increase due to these improvements?
Property taxes will not increase directly due to improvements to the street in City right-of-way. If these street improvements spur renovations and improvements on existing homes, property values can rise, thus increasing taxes somewhat.

Will I be paid for right-of-way that the city needs to do these improvements?
No. Right-of-way is by donation only and construction of improvements cannot start until all of the necessary right-of-way is secured. Normally, the value of the improvements greatly exceeds the value of the donated right-of-way.

What happens to fences, landscaping, and mailboxes that are in the way of the street improvements?
Fences will need to be relocated to behind the sidewalk and we would prefer that the property owner do this. Landscaping will have to be removed and/or relocated and again we prefer that the property owner do this. Any landscaping and turf areas that are disturbed by the street and sidewalk construction will be restored by the contractor at no cost to the property owner. We can work with the property owners on a case by case basis for fence and landscaping relocations. Mailboxes will be relocated by the contractor at no cost to the property owner.

If you need additional information or have any questions, please contact:

City of Phoenix
Street Transportation Department
Programming and Street Lighting Section
(602) 262-6284
E-mail: strlpds@ci.phoenix.az.us

THIS PUBLICATION CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE IN BRAILLE, LARGE PRINT, AUDIO TAPE, OR CASSETTE TAPE UPON REQUEST. CONTACT THE STREET TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT AT 602-262-6284 IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY OF THESE SERVICES.
OUR TTY PHONE NUMBER IS 602-256-4286.