Latest news with #PhoenixCityCouncil
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I want to remove Phoenix's reverse lanes. Why I voted to study them instead
I favor removing the reverse lanes that run along Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street, two of the busiest surface streets in Phoenix. These lanes debuted in 1979 and 1982, before the construction of Arizona 51, to ease traffic into and out of downtown. They alternate the direction of traffic during peak hours with a system of overhead signals and signage that many find confusing or outdated. In the decade that I have represented this area on the Phoenix City Council, many residents, business owners, bicyclists and pedestrians have raised concerns about the hazards that these lanes pose. The complexity of turning restrictions, the frequency of collisions and the difficulty of navigating these corridors all speak to a system that may have outlived its usefulness. So, why did I not press for a vote to remove them on May 21? Because good policymaking demands that we balance vision with reality. Preliminary studies show that signage changes to improve these lanes would cost at least $2.6 million, while construction changes could easily push the total cost above $15 million. Those are significant numbers, especially as our city faces a shaky economic forecast and a budget in flux. And it is not just the price tag. Data collected in 2020 — before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped commuting — suggested that eliminating reverse lanes would increase travel times along these roads by as much as 40%. If that's still the case, such congestion would ripple out to parallel streets like Central Avenue, 12th Street and 15th Avenue. It could also increase accident rates, not decrease them, if drivers become more frustrated or tempted to cut through neighborhoods. We cannot afford to get this wrong. Our vote on May 21 to launch a comprehensive new study was not about delay for delay's sake. It was about gathering current, post-pandemic data and modeling the true traffic, safety and cost impacts of any change. Removing the lanes requires five affirmative council votes. We simply did not have those votes. Rather than push a losing measure, I supported commissioning this deeper analysis. It is the only way to arm all council members and city staff with the facts needed to make a smart, safe, cost-effective decision. I understand the frustration that this choice has caused. In recent weeks, some activists have taken to social media to criticize me, even going as far as to threaten a recall election. That is certainly their right. I will never discourage civic engagement, even when it takes a painful form. Opinion: Phoenix's reverse lanes are a hassle. Remove them now But leadership is not about pleasing everyone. It is about serving all 200,000 residents of District 4 and the more than one million people who call Phoenix home. It is about working closely with my colleagues in District 3 and District 6 — which also are directly impacted by this issue — and taking into consideration our city's significant growth and evolving traffic patterns. My responsibility is to the entirety of Phoenix. That means approaching the reverse lane issue with careful consideration, prudent use of taxpayer funds and a fierce commitment to the safety of every pedestrian, cyclist and driver on our roads. I have always led with integrity, and I will not be shaken by personal attacks. Instead, I remain focused on the goal: delivering a solution that improves traffic flow, enhances safety and reflects the reality of how Phoenix moves in the 2020s — not the 1980s. We will get this right. Together. Laura Pastor represents District 4, which covers sections of midtown and uptown, on the Phoenix City Council. Reach her at Like this column? Get more opinions in your email inbox by signing up for our free opinions newsletter, which publishes Monday through Friday. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix must study reverse lanes before we remove them | Opinion
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Caliber secures approval for Canyon Village residential project in Phoenix, US
US-based property investor and developer Caliber has gained approval from the Phoenix City Council for the redevelopment of its Canyon Village project, after meeting the necessary planning permissions and rezoning requirements. The project will see the retrofitting of a distressed 300,000ft² office building into a 376-unit rental multifamily residential building. Caliber noted that the project is located within a designated opportunity zone, offering tax advantages. Demand for new housing in North Mountain Village in Phoenix is expected to increase sharply. This is partly due to the nearby expansion of semiconductor operations by TSMC. The redevelopment project aims to meet some of this anticipated residential shortfall. TSMC recently revealed a $100bn increase to its initial $65bn investment pledge in the US, alongside the early completion of its Fab 2 facility in Phoenix. Caliber projects that the initial batch of flats will be ready by mid-to-late 2026. This timing coincides with forecasted population growth in the region. The project has received $6.7m from the Caliber Tax-Advantaged Opportunity Zone Fund. The fund has acted as the principal backer of Canyon FundCo, which is a Caliber-sponsored single-asset syndication, particularly intended to enable direct investment into the Canyon Village project. The company completed the acquisition of the property in September 2024. The developer is now working to secure the next equity round to start construction. Phase I is expected to be funded through additional investor participation. The Tax-Advantaged Opportunity Zone Fund II has so far contributed $1m. Work will begin when a construction loan is arranged and all plans are finalised. The first phase of building activity is targeted for the final quarter of 2025. Caliber CEO Chris Loeffler said: 'Nationwide, the most frequent topic we hear at real estate conferences is the opportunity presented to investors by distressed commercial real estate (CRE). 'Reminiscent of our first five years in business, Caliber is seeing opportunities to buy CRE at less than 50% of estimated replacement cost, and, in the case of Canyon Village, approximately 15% of estimated replacement cost. 'We are pleased that the Phoenix City Council and Mayor Kate Gallego saw the benefits and vision that this project offers and voted unanimously to approve it. This project is a great example of the federal opportunity zone tax programme at work, combined with strong partnership at the city and community level, and fuelled by private investors in Caliber's funds.' "Caliber secures approval for Canyon Village residential project in Phoenix, US" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Arizonans will never forget cult show 'Wallace and Ladmo.' Long-lost tapes reveal why
For Arizonans who grew up with it, "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" holds a special place in the heart. For those who never saw it, there is no doubt befuddlement about why a children's television show that went off the air decades ago is still celebrated in Phoenix. The Phoenix City Council on March 26 approved renaming a portion of McKinley Street as Wallace and Ladmo Way. The street runs in front of the First Studio Gallery, which used to house KPHO-TV, Channel 5, where the show started in 1954. The show lasted for 35 years, ending in December 1989. During those years, it became part of Arizona's culture. "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" was such a fixture that it only celebrated its anniversary every fifth year. For it's 30th anniversary, then-Gov. Bruce Babbitt told the cast he was too busy to sign a proclamation honoring the show. He suggested they take the one he issued for the 25th anniversary, cross out that number, and replace it with 30. A few years after the show went off the air, the main members of the cast ― Bill Thompson, who played Wallace, Ladimir Kwiatkowski, who played Ladmo, and Pat McMahon who played a host of characters, including the spoiled brat Gerald ― sat for interviews with a reporter at the Arizona State University newspaper, the State Press. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and about metro Phoenix and beyond, you'll hear those conversations for the first time. Guest host Richard Ruelas provides an oral history of one of Arizona's most beloved institutions. Listen to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app or stream the full episode below. Submit your questions to us about metro Phoenix and Arizona for a chance to be chosen for the podcast. Note: Valley 101 is intended to be heard, but we offer an AI transcript of the episode script. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio. Subscribe to Valley 101 : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher Follow Valley 101 and all azcentral podcasts on X, formerly Twitter, and on Instagram. Reach the producer Amanda Luberto at aluberto@ Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @amandaluberto and on Bluesky @amandaluberto. Abby Bessinger provided audio assistance on this episode. You can reach Abby at This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New 'Wallace and Ladmo' interviews revealed
Axios
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Phoenix to consider ceremonial street renaming for Wallace and Ladmo
Wallace and Ladmo still have a special place in many of our hearts, and the Phoenix City Council is poised to honor them with a ceremonial street sign. State of play: The council is scheduled to vote at Wednesday's meeting on a proposal to install a ceremonial street sign at the intersection of McKinley Street and 1st Avenue, dubbing it "Wallace and Ladmo Way." The intersection near the former KPHO studio where "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" started. A mural of Wallace, Ladmo and their arrogant nemesis Gerald adorns the building, which is now First Studio. Flashback: The show — originally titled "It's Wallace?" — first aired in 1954. Cameraperson Ladimir Kwiatkowski joined Bill "Wallace" Thompson shortly after, and Pat McMahon joined the show in 1960, playing a host of characters, perhaps most notably Gerald. One of the show's most memorable features was when Ladmo Bags, paper sacks of candy and other treats, were doled out to children. My thought bubble: I was 9 years old when "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" went off the air and was probably from the last generation of Arizonans to grow up watching it. I'm happy to see its memory live on.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Phoenix City Council raises sales tax by .5% to offset revenue losses from the passage of state bills
The Brief Phoenix City Council members voted to increase the city sales tax by .5% to offset the passage of two bills in the Arizona State Legislature. Collections from the tax increase will go to the city's General Fund, supporting a variety of items. The last sales tax increase that contributed to the General Fund was in 1986, the most recent sales tax increase in Phoenix took place in 2016. PHOENIX - In an 8-1 vote at the March 18 Phoenix City Council meeting, council members voted to raise the sales tax for certain business activities from 2.3% to 2.8%. The tax rate increase is supposed to offset revenue losses the city expects to see from the passage two bills in the Arizona State Legislature, one regarding state rental tax and another regarding income taxes. Collections will help support the city's General Fund. What we know In January, the Phoenix City Council announced their intention to explore the possibility of raising the city sales tax. The sales tax is officially referred to as the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT). According to a release by the council, the TPT has not been increased to support the General Fund since 1986. The TPT was most recently raised to 2.3% in 2016 to support the Transportation Fund. Local perspective The funds generated through the tax will be directed toward the following programs: Maintaining existing programs and services Providing additional resources to reduce Fire Department response times Continue efforts to address homelessness Fund operating costs for expiring grants and bond programs Facility maintenance Invest in city employees Addressing the impacts of inflation Big picture view For comparison purposes, the Retail Sales Tax rates of other major cities in Arizona range from 3.00% in Buckeye at the high end to 1.5% in Chandler on the low end. The Phoenix 2.8% tax will not apply to groceries. The backstory SB 1131 eliminated residential rental tax collections and was enacted on Jan. 1, 2025. The city expects revenue losses of more than $125 million between the fiscal years of 2024-25 and 2025-26 because of the passage of the bill. SB 1828 changed the state's income tax rate to a flat rate of 2.5%, a change that eliminates a ladder system that drew more revenue from higher-income households. In response, Phoenix City Council members proposed a tax increase of .5%, effective July 1, 2025. The increase was proposed in the form of an amendment to Chapter 14 of the Phoenix City Code and was described as a way to ensure funding for essential city services.
