| Phoenix City Council Approves Metrocenter Redevelopment | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2569 | | City Council District 1 | 11/16/2022 11:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2569/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Phoenix City Council Approves Metrocenter Redevelopment | <div class="ExternalClass5385A0C99FD04877A729E490524B53DE"><html>
<p>By a 6-2 vote, Phoenix City Council has passed the last required vote for Metrocenter to enter into redevelopment.</p>
<p>Almost 50 years ago Metrocenter Mall opened its doors, and for many Phoenicians served as the backdrop for their formative years. Housing five department stores, a food court and an indoor ice rink during the winter months, Metrocenter Mall was a crown jewel west of the Mississippi River. Metrocenter even made its debut on the silver screen in movies such as “Take Me Home Tonight” (2011) and cult classics like “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” (1989).</p>
<p>“I have fond memories of Metrocenter Mall,” said Councilwoman Ann O’Brien. “One of my first jobs was at Park Lane Hosiery in the mall and I remember the many nights my friends and I spent cruising around the mall. Although those times are gone, I’m incredibly excited for what’s to come for the entire Metro region.”</p>
<p>As the decades passed, Metrocenter fell into disrepair, and like all megamalls across the country, stores started to close. During the last part of 2021, the City announced the development plans and conceptual designs for the future of Metrocenter. Development partners, Concord Wilshire Capital, TLG Investment Partners, and Hines Development, will bring a mixed-use community over three phases. The new development will feature multi-family housing, restaurant space, retail space with a main street vibe, and an amphitheater park opened to the public and pets.</p>
<p>“In addition to the redevelopment of Metrocenter itself, we're moving swiftly toward the day when light rail will stop right at the mall's doorstep," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "With excellent housing, transit, business and retail options all in one place, Metrocenter will once again be a vibrant hub for the northwestern part of our city." </p>
<p>“I want to thank Councilwoman O’Brien and Community and Economic Development Director Chris Mackay for ensuring this project crossed the finish line,” said former Councilwoman Thelda Williams. “I’m excited to have Metrocenter become a crown jewel of Phoenix once again.”</p>
<p>Today’s vote marks yet another mall redevelopment which Phoenix has become nationally recognized for – joining Paradise Valley Mall and Park Central.</p>
<p>“This redevelopment is just the first of so much more to come to the Metro region,” said O’Brien. “With this investment, we’ll be able to attract more partners interested in working with community members to completely revitalize the Metro District – making it cleaner and safer for everyone.”<br></p>
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<strong>Media Contact:</strong> Derrik Rochwalik, Council District 1 Chief of Staff, 480-202-7347</p>
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<strong>About District 1</strong>
<br>District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien was elected in November 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit <a href="/district1" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.phoenix.gov/district1" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/District1</a>.</p>
<p>If you would like more information about this topic, please call the District 1 Office at 602-262-7444 or email at <a href="mailto:council.district.1@phoenix.gov" data-cke-saved-href="mailto:council.district.1@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">council.district.1@phoenix.gov</a>.<br></p>
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| Phoenix City Council Reaches Decision on Park Security Item | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2550 | | City Council District 1 | 11/3/2022 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2550/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01.jpg | | Phoenix City Council Reaches Decision on Park Security Item | <div class="ExternalClassC890EA13D74E40C59482BCF73F1BB75C"><html>
<div>Phoenix, AZ, November 2, 2022 – The Phoenix Mayor and City Council voted YES today to approve a <a href="/newsroom/district-1/2524" target="_blank">program</a> to increase private security and surveillance in a number of parks throughout the city that are considered the most at risk for dangerous and illegal activity. The program was proposed to address ongoing issues raised by citizens who are concerned with public safety in the face of staff shortages among city police and state park rangers. </div>
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<div>Proposed as a pilot program that will be implemented in at least one park per district, the security initiative will place unarmed private security as an added patrol effort in each area to deter and monitor illegal and dangerous activity. It is an expansion of a similar program that is already in use at three parks in the more urban center of downtown. Council hopes that the program will function as a temporary solution until the city can increase recruitment and retention of rangers and officers or develop a more holistic approach to what is indeed a systemic issue in our city. </div>
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<div>The initiative, sponsored by Councilmembers O’Brien, Stark, DiCiccio, and Waring, was originally set to go to Council for voting last month, but was continued in order to allow the Phoenix Parks Department additional time to review the program details.</div>
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<div>“In a time when we are dangerously low on park rangers and police officers, we need every tool in our tool belt to help keep our communities safe. It’s time we expand our security services past just the three parks located downtown. If it’s good enough for downtown Phoenix, it’s good enough for our neighborhoods,” said Councilwoman Ann O’Brien.<br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Media Contact:</strong> Derrik Rochwalik, District 1 Chief of Staff, (480)202-7347<br></div>
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<strong>About District 1</strong>
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<div>District 1 is located in northwest Phoenix. The southern boundary is Northern Avenue and the northern boundary is just north of New River Road. The district shares a boundary to the west with the cities of Glendale and Peoria, and the eastern boundary aligns with the I-17 Freeway. At Bell Road, the district extends east to 19th Avenue and incorporates the Deer Valley Airport north of the Loop 101 Freeway. Councilwoman Ann O’Brien was elected in November of 2020 and took office April 2021. Her primary issue focus areas are public safety with an emphasis on supporting law enforcement, redevelopment of Metrocenter mall area in her district, roads and transportation, and education. For more information, please visit https://www.phoenix.gov/district1.</div>
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<div>If you would like more information about this topic, please call the District 1 Office at (602) 262-7444 or email at council.district.1@phoenix.gov.<br></div>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 |
| Coalition of Councilmembers Call for Adding Phoenix Park Security Expansion to Council Agenda | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-1/2524 | | City Council District 1 | 10/11/2022 7:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2524/Newsroom_Council_Statement_01 (002).jpg | | Coalition of Councilmembers Call for Adding Phoenix Park Security Expansion to Council Agenda | <div class="ExternalClass41980EF7635D4EE3BFE3D65851C2DAD8"><html>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">“Our parks are a place where neighbors can gather; where pickup games of basketball, soccer, and other sports can be played; where birthday parties and family reunions can be set up under ramadas. They provide an outlet for kids to exude their energy in a positive manner. Our parks are cornerstones of our neighborhoods.</span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">They deserve to be safe environments.</span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Yesterday evening, together with Councilman Jim Waring, Councilwoman Debra Stark, and Councilman Sal DiCiccio, I submitted a memo to City Staff requesting an item be added to the upcoming Formal Council Meeting to discuss expanding private security patrols in some of our parks with the highest volume of concerned citizen calls.</span>
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<span style="font-size:13.3333px;">In a time when we are dangerously low on Park Rangers and Police Officers, we need every tool in our toolbelt to help keep our communities safe. It’s time we expand our security services past just the three parks located downtown. If it’s good enough for Downtown Phoenix, it’s good enough for our neighborhoods.”</span>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district1 | News | district-1 |
