Phoenix City Living

The Scoop: Withdrawal of Application for Historic Preservation Overlay of Triangle Area

In a 7-0 vote Monday, the Historic Preservation Commission voted for the withdrawal of the application for the Historic Preservation Overlay Zoning of the Oakland-University Park Triangle Area.  In November, the HP Commission had voted to initiate the zoning of the Triangle Area.

Most all of the Triangle Area is zoned R-5 & R-I and is also included in the proposed Small Business, Culture and Arts Overlay District.  This combination along with the neighborhood's vicinity to the Grand Avenue arts district, Roosevelt Row, Capitol Mall area, future light-rail, I-10 access, and more is a sure recipe for this up-and-coming neighborhood to continue its trend of re-development and improvement.

If you're interested:
Zoning Ordinace of the City of Phoenix

Section 618. R-5 Multiple-Family Residence District - The purpose of the multifamily residence districts is to provide for alternative living styles including rental, condominiums and single-family ownership of land with multiple unit thereon or single or attached townhomes.  The density ranges offered are intended to allow for a greater interaction of residents with at least the opportunity for less individual maintenance, unit cost, and size as compared with a conventional single-family residence.

Section 630. R-I Residential Infill District - The Residential Infill District is intended to encourage new multifamily development within the central portion of Phoenix.  The overlay district would permit greater densities and other features not permitted by the underlying district.  Such residential development would increase the opportunity for people to live and work downtown.

The Scoop: CityScape Moves Forward - Parks Board Approves Re-Design of Patriots Square

It was a long Parks Board Meeting this evening, but well worth the strain and pain as I sat in those uncomfortable chairs in the City Council Chambers.  The meeting got underway at 6pm, with the initial items on the agenda pushed along quickly.  At around 6:30pm, discussion began on Issue #2-P (Discussion and Possible Action on Patriots Park Conceptual Plan).  The agenda had this issue slated for about 15 minutes.  That's funny.  You'd better ignore those growls of hunger girl because this party is just getting started. 

It began with the development team's presentation regarding the changes they made to the CityScape plan after the Parks Board requests 2 weeks ago, which included reducing the size of the 9,000sf restaurant on the NE corner of Central and Washington to 6,000sf to provide more open space.  Next there were over 60 public comments (if only people were this vocal everyday about what is happening around them), two letters read by the Board Chairman, and then questions and comments from the Board members.  But, finally, at just after 10pm this evening, the Parks Board voted 5-2 in favor of approving the Parks' Staff recommendations which included the acceptance of the conceptual master plan of the redevelopment of Patriots Park.  And, just like that, the city core changes direction.

So, with a big skip in my step, I headed back to my car parked on Washington Street.  As I walked West from the Council Chambers, the crowds were exiting Dodge Theatre (looks like George Lopez was a hit).  As I watched the people stream across Washington and head up the stairs into the parking garage I thought to myself...'in the near future, these people will just keep walking'.  They'll head over to CityScape to grab a bite to eat or a drink at the bar, stop at the bookstore, or head up to the condos where they live.  They won't be these flocks of sheep...heading from the doors of the Dodge straight to their cars taking their laughter, group synergy, and not to mention their wallets, straight home.

This is it people.  Irrevocable change is occurring to the downtown Phoenix landscape.  Buildings will rise, environments will be created.  This vision, jointly created by developer dreams, citizen input, and the city's enlightenment, will build an urban downtown core that is long overdue.  Private money is plentiful, the infrastructure for strong economic growth within this urban environment is already in place and under rapid development, and people are motivated for change.  And now, considering tonight's brighter future for downtown Phoenix, this girl's getting ready to turn on the disco ball and do more than just skip!

For more:
Downtown project earns approval
Downtownphxrising

The News: boomers in distress, hospitals are big, and more ways to nosh

 
Many cities unprepared for aging boomers
Restaurant corridor proposed for downtown Phoenix
Hospital corridor proposed by Gordon for downtown Phoenix
Are high-rise hospitals headed for Phoenix downtown?