| Councilwoman Stark’s Statement Regarding Her Vote on Item 81 on Today’s Formal City Council Agenda | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-3/1767 | | City Council District 3 | 2/18/2021 1:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1767/Newsroom_Council_Statement_03.jpg | | Councilwoman Stark’s Statement Regarding Her Vote on Item 81 on Today’s Formal City Council Agenda | <div class="ExternalClassF1D6C34F0AEA4D0A964E1BCA73390FA6"><html>“Tonight, I voted to deny the memo that sought to reallocate funds from the Office of Accountability and Transparency to the Human Services Campus to not conflate the two challenges. <br><br>Phoenix has a plan to address homelessness, and it's an approach that will require regional support and funding—the funding should not come from funds previously set aside to address police oversight. <br><br>Separately, there are issues within the police department that have been brought to light in recent media reports, and outside investigators are looking in to the matter. <br><br>I appreciate the job our officers do every day. I have gotten to know many of them throughout the years, and I believe the majority of our police men and women are good people who just want to do their jobs to protect and serve. Our police chief has a tough job, and I respect her. <br><br>With this vote, I hope to reopen discussions about other options on the table for police oversight." <br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district3 | News | district-3 |
| Phoenix City Council Approves Paradise Valley Mall Redevelopment | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-3/1765 | | City Council District 3 | 2/17/2021 10:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1765/Newsroom_Council_News_03.jpg | | Phoenix City Council Approves Paradise Valley Mall Redevelopment | <div class="ExternalClassA50A58DC2DCB4A77B83153DE836EAF8B"><html>PHOENIX — Major changes are coming to Paradise Valley Mall as the Phoenix City Council approved a rezoning request that will redevelop and breathe new life into the mall that has been part of the northeast Phoenix community for decades.<br><br>The approved mixed-use development includes retail shops, a grocery store, restaurants, high-rise multi-family housing with a maximum 120 feet in height, office, and self-storage. Plans have been years in the making—and today the project officially moves forward. <br><br>“As many malls across the country are suffering with vacant storefronts, it is critical to reimagine traditional malls as destinations for more than just shopping," said Mayor Kate Gallego. “The redevelopment of Paradise Valley Mall will provide economic stabilization, not just to the immediate area but to the surrounding neighborhoods as well."<br><br>The 92-acre site will be developed in phases and will promote walkability and connectivity with pedestrian paths and common areas. The site will also promote sustainability with xeriscape plants and trees, and water-efficient appliances within the multi-family development. Residents also have the option of using mass transit with the existing transit facility located within the development.<br><br>“I am thrilled about the redevelopment of Paradise Valley Mall to revitalize the area and spur economic development," said Councilwoman Debra Stark, who represents District 3 where the mall is located. “PV Mall holds many memories and a sense of nostalgia for our residents. I am excited that the mall will be part of the fabric of the community for generations to come."<br><br>Paradise Valley Mall, owned by Macerich, is partnering with RED Development on this project. RED Development has been behind projects such as CityScape in downtown Phoenix and the Shops at Town & Country near the Biltmore area. <br><br>The city's Mesquite Library is not part of the redevelopment and will remain in its location. The Costco and the parking garage will also remain at the site.<br><br>Construction and demolition of parts of the mall are expected to begin within the next few months. <br><br>For project renderings and more information, please visit <a href="http://paradisevalleymall-zoning.com/" target="_blank">paradisevalleymall-zoning.com</a>. <br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district3 | News | district-3 |
| Councilwoman Stark’s Statement on Recent ABC15 Reporting Regarding Police Conduct and Language | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/district-3/1759 | | City Council District 3 | 2/13/2021 2:15:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/1759/Newsroom_Council_Statement_03.jpg | | Councilwoman Stark’s Statement on Recent ABC15 Reporting Regarding Police Conduct and Language | <div class="ExternalClass4BB444D85839405A93B477A1751CC53F"><html>
<p></p>“I am deeply disappointed by the language I heard on body camera footage used by some of our police officers toward community members exercising their right to protest. That kind of language is unprofessional, disrespectful, and appalling. We know the majority of our officers are here to serve and protect—and we hold our officers to a higher standard.<br><br>I am also troubled to hear this group of protestors is being charged as a street gang. I've spoken with a representative of the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, and I hope they drop the charges. <br><br>This week, I've been disturbed to hear about the unprofessional conduct of some of our police officers. While I support our officers who put their lives on the line every day, any allegation of wrongdoing must be thoroughly investigated. It was troubling to hear that officers participated in sharing a challenge coin that glorified violence and used hate speech. That kind of conduct is not only unprofessional but never excusable. I am glad Chief Williams and our city manager requested an outside investigation to rectify the situation."<br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/district3 | News | district-3 |
