Monthly Archives: November 2008
Downtown Phoenix 44 Monroe condos “slow to sell”
Rendering of 44 Monroe, downtown Phoenix
[Source: Arizona Republic] — As the [global] economic downturn grinds on, downtown Phoenix boosters have been anxiously watching sales at several new condo projects, including 44 Monroe at the intersection of Monroe St. and 1st Ave. City leaders want to revive downtown Phoenix, and getting more people to live there is a crucial part of that plan.
Although 44 Monroe wrapped up construction this year, units have been slow to sell… According to Ryan Zeleznak, Grace Communities principal, of the 196 units in the 34-story building, 96 (49%) are in escrow and about a dozen (6%) have sold (including one for $1.55 million last week).
Viewpoint: Turns out there’s good news on Main Street
[Source: Joel Kotkin, reprinted in Arizona Republic] — As the financial crisis takes down Wall Street, the regular folks on Main Street are biting their nails, watching the toxic tsunami head their way. But for all our nightmares of drowning in a sea of bad mortgages, foreclosed homes, and shrunken retirement plans, the truth is that the effects of this meltdown won’t be all bad in the long run. In one regard, it could offer our society a net positive: Forced into belt-tightening, Americans are likely to strengthen our family and community ties and to center our lives more closely on the places where we live.
This trend toward what I call “the new localism” has been underway for some years, driven by changing demographics, new technologies, and rising energy prices. But the economic downturn will probably accelerate it as individuals and corporations look not to the global stage but closer to home, concentrating and congregating on the Main Streets where we choose to live -– in the suburbs, in urban neighborhoods, or in small towns.
In his 1972 bestseller, “A Nation of Strangers,” social critic Vance Packard depicted the United States as “a society coming apart at the seams.” He was only one in a long cavalcade of futurists who have envisioned an America of ever-increasing “spatial mobility” that would give rise to weaker families, childlessness, and anonymous communities. Packard and others may not have been far off for their time: In 1970, nearly 20% of Americans changed their place of residence every year. But by 2004, that figure had dropped to 14%, the lowest level since 1950. Americans born today are actually more likely to reside near their place of birth than those who lived in the 19th century. Part of this is due to our aging population, because older people are far less likely to move than those under 30. But more limited economic options may intensify this phenomenon while bringing a host of social, economic, and environmental benefits in their wake. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
Foreclosure-riddled metro Phoenix to get $121M in federal aid
[Source: Catherine Reagor, Arizona Republic] — Metropolitan Phoenix’s ailing housing market is getting a boost from the federal government. Early next year, Arizona will receive $121 million to combat the state’s growing foreclosure problem. Most of the money must be spent to buy and fix up foreclosure homes and then help people purchase them. Homes in the Valley communities hardest hit by the downturn will be targeted. Those areas include neighborhoods in Phoenix, Mesa, Avondale, Tolleson, and Surprise. The money, distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, comes from the nation’s Housing and Economic Recovery Act, which Congress passed in July.
The funds are earmarked for “stabilizing” the neighborhoods hurt by too many foreclosures. The federal money will go toward the purchase of thousands of Valley foreclosure homes, which means more work for real-estate agents, appraisers, title agents and lenders. Many people who have struggled to get financing or down-payment money to buy a house will get help. The funds also will mean more jobs for contractors hired to fix up foreclosure homes. Homeowners in neighborhoods hurt by too many foreclosures should see their home values stabilize and even increase as the money is spent on houses nearby.
A record 35,000 homes have been foreclosed on Valley-wide so far this year. Many neighborhoods, particularly on the Valley’s fringes, are dotted with homes left vacant and vandalized because of foreclosures. “This money will a go a long ways to helping a lot of people and communities,” said Fred Karnas, director of the Arizona Housing Department, which will get more than $38 million of the federal money. Only Phoenix, which has been allotted $39 million, will get more of Arizona’s share. Several other communities will receive money, as well. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
In the works, an ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus Chorale & Glee Club
Several ASU students are interested in organizing an ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus Chorale and Glee Club. The goal is (a) perfect harmony and (b) to go holiday caroling around the campus on Wednesday, December 10. Their first rehearsal of traditional holiday favorites and new music will be Thursday, December 4 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Room 286 of the University Center (411 Building). For more information, visit their Facebook page.
U.S. population and growth trends by county, 1970-2030
An interesting map! Click on the map to enlarge.
APS Electric Light Parade returns to uptown Phoenix, Dec. 6
[Source: City of Phoenix] — The APS Electric Light Parade returns to the streets of uptown Phoenix for its 22nd straight year. The 2008 parade, themed “Preserving a Family Holiday Tradition,” kicks off at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 on Central Avenue just south of Bethany Home Rd. Comprehensive parade information is available online in the APS Electric Light Parade link here. General information is available by phone at 602-534-FEST.
This annual spectacle has attracted up to 200,000 spectators to the parade route. All entries in the parade –- even individuals in performance groups who walk the route –- are decorated in holiday lights. In years past, some entries have sported more than 50,000 lights. In addition to the floats, performance groups and bands also will take part. From just south of Bethany Home Road, the parade proceeds south on Central Avenue to Camelback Road, then heads east to 7th Street where it turns south to the end point north of Indian School Road.
Below are some tips for those planning on attending the parade:
- The parade is a rain or shine event. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and dress accordingly.
- Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs.
- Coolers are permitted, though alcohol and glass containers are not allowed.
- Viewing spots along the parade route are first-come-first-served. Spectators often start arriving three hours before parade time to reserve spots.
- Parking is on street and also is on a first-come-first-served basis. Private lots near the parade area often offer parking for a fee.
Midtown Phoenix 7th St. & Earll “spot zoning” project withdrawn
[Source: Tom Chauncey, Save Phoenix Homes] — The proposed PUD rezoning application for 7th Street and Earll (Z-119-07-4) has been withdrawn. Leadership of the coalition of single-family homeowners in the La Hacienda, Country Club, Coronado, Greater Cherry Lynn, Ashland Place, and Country Club Manor neighborhoods were just informed of the news by the developer’s attorneys.
Therefore, there is no need for people to attend the City Council meeting on December 3. The coalition is thankful for the out-pouring of support from like-minded residents and organizations. They will update their website with developments as they learn of them. [Note: For background on the issue, click here.]
Pinpointing Phoenix artists
What do the dots represent? Click on the map to find out.
[Source: Robert Booker, Arizona Commission on the Arts] — Phoenix Art Space is a new website promoting local Phoenix arts and culture, offering articles, videos, spotlight art, an art map, and a list of arts organizations. You can also view artwork by member artists.
