| Phoenix City Council Awards More than $185,000 in Residential Historic Preservation Grants | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/planning-and-development/2658 | Planning and Development | 2/15/2023 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2658/tools.jpg | Phoenix City Council Awards More than $185,000 in Residential Historic Preservation Grants | <div class=”ExternalClassED1BE251265C4B4E83A5CF548D2A3108″><html> <p>Today, t<span style=”background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;”>he Phoenix City Council approved exterior rehabilitation grants for 12 homeowners in seven of the City’s 36 residential historic districts. The total grant money awarded equals $185,696, with each homeowner receiving between $10,000 and $20,000.</span></p> <p>In June of 2022, the City Council approved $200,000 in the General Fund budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 to provide rehabilitation grants for residential properties listed on the Phoenix Historic Property Register. </p> <p>In exchange for receiving grant funds, the property owners agree to sell the City a 15- or 20-year conservation easement to protect the historic character of the property’s exterior. The program’s goal is to promote the preservation of historic buildings through proper rehabilitation. The program reimburses owners with a 50/50 match for pre-approved work between $5,000 and $20,000 per project. </p> <p>Of the 12 grants awarded, five homes are in the Willo Historic District, two in the Del Norte Place Historic District, and one each in the Encanto-Palmcroft, Country Club Park, Garfield, Fairview Place and Los Olivos Historic Districts. The grant-funded work will vary from foundation repairs, window restorations, and roof and masonry repairs. </p> <p>The deadline for Exterior Rehabilitation grant applications was Nov. 18, 2022. A total of 22 property owners submitted applications. A panel chose projects that best met the criteria for the property’s physical needs and critical maintenance, the impact on the historic appearance of the property and neighborhood and the ability to turn a vacant building into productive use.</p> <p>Phoenix voters approved $42 million in bond funds from 1989-2006 for Historic Preservation. The last time the City Council allocated bond funds was in 2015, and no grants occurred from 2016-2020. In 2021, the City Council set aside $200,000 from the General Fund to re-establish the Exterior Rehabilitation Grant Program. </p> <p> </p> <p> <br> </p> </html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd | News | planning-and-development | tools onroof | PDD | historic preservation | Angie Holdsworth | 602-329-5065 | 602-495-5622 | angie.holdsworth@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/65/Angie_Holdsworth.jpg | PHXPlanandDev |
| Historical Society Unveils Mural Thanks to Neighborhood Grant | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/neighborhood-services/2725 | Neighborhood Services | 4/13/2023 6:45:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2725/20230407_121607.jpg | Historical Society Unveils Mural Thanks to Neighborhood Grant | <div class=”ExternalClass00EE359CB53A425099F36FDB785900C8″><html> <a href=”https://sunnyslopehistoricalsociety.org/” target=”_blank”>The Sunnyslope Historical Society</a> unveiled last week a bright and eye-catching mural on their building, bringing smiles to passers-by.<br><br>With grant funding assistance from Phoenix Neighborhood Services Department’s (NSD) Love Your Block Program, members of the Sunnyslope Historical Society commissioned <a href=”http://elitheartist.com/” target=”_blank”>local muralist, Eli Faria</a>, to create an art piece that features a large garden of yellow sunflowers, with the famous “S” Mountain in the background on one side of the Sunnyslope Historical Museum building. <br><br>“The meaning behind choosing the sunflowers was to signify the resilience of Sunnyslope,” explained Rene Blain, a member of the Historical Society. Sunflowers are hearty plants and represent loyalty and longevity. “Many people may not know this, but (Sunnyslope) was actually here before Phoenix.” <br><br>During a small unveiling presentation, Phoenix Councilwoman Debra Stark of District 3 thanked the Historical Society for their commitment to keeping the spirit of Sunnyslope alive.<br><br>“(The Society) really does so much to keep the history (of Sunnyslope) alive,” Stark said. “This is one of the most special places in the entire city of Phoenix. I don’t know what it is about Sunnyslope, but it is magical,” she added, a sentiment she shares with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. <br><br>Blain hopes the new mural will make <a href=”https://sunnyslopehistoricalsociety.org/about-us/” target=”_blank”>the Sunnyslope Historical Museum</a> a landmark for people to visit to learn more about the rich history of the area. Founded in 1989, the goal of the Historical Society is to preserve and educate the public on the history of Sunnyslope and its significance in the history of the city of Phoenix, but getting residents and visitors to stop by has been a challenge. <br><br><a href=”/nsd/loveyourblock” target=”_blank”>NSD’s Love Your Block grants</a>, supported by the <a href=”https://www.gilariver.org/” target=”_blank”>Gila River Indian Community</a> and <a href=”/publicworks/zero-waste” target=”_blank”>Phoenix Public Works</a>, allowed the Sunnyslope Historical Society to propose this art project as a fun and creative way to promote its Museum and attract the locals, young and old, as well as visitors. The Historical Society was granted $5,000 last summer, which was used to hire Faria, an artist beloved by this Sunnyslope community. In his art, Faria invokes his great influencers – Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Pollack – but also injects inspirations from graffiti artists and street art he’s seen throughout his young career. What Faria came up with is a mural that’s very Instagram-able, with vivid colors that can be easily spotted from the road. <br><br>This is Faria’s fourth completed mural in the Sunnyslope area. His past works include the mural for Norton Vista Neighborhood Association, located on the corner of Hatcher and Cave Creek, also funded through the Love Your Block program, and the mural inside the Sunnyslope Youth Center as part of the grant from the Netflix show, On My Block. <br><br>With his art, Faria “hopes to inspire the minds of the youth, invigorate our culture and give back a little beauty to this world.”<br><br>Visit the Sunnyslope Historical Museum and check out Faria’s sunflower mural located at 737 E. Hatcher Road. <br><br>Check out <a href=”https://fb.watch/jU3-9FDjA8/” target=”_blank”>the video</a> and visit the Sunnyslope Historical Museum to check out Faria’s sunflower mural located at 737 E. Hatcher Road. <br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/nsd | News | ||
| Popular Phoenix Trails to Close During Extremely Hot Days | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/2724 | Parks and Recreation | 4/13/2023 5:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2724/Trail-Closure-at-Piestewa-Peak.jpg | Popular Phoenix Trails to Close During Extremely Hot Days | <div class=”ExternalClass7DD921A359E844D9808201BE474117C0″><html> <p>This summer, three popular City of Phoenix hiking trails will close during extremely hot days.<br></p> <p>On days when the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning, Camelback Mountain’s Echo and Cholla Trails and all trails associated with Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve will close from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.</p> <p>During Excessive Heat Warnings, trail access is limited, parking lot gates will be closed, and signage will be posted. Closure information will be posted on the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s website and social media accounts, and to local resorts and hotels. Additionally, Phoenix Park Rangers will be visible at those locations to remind and educate trail users about the restrictions.</p> <p>To help with that recommendation, extended summer hours are in effect annually from June through September at North Mountain Park and Piestewa Peak Trailhead in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and Pima Canyon Trailhead in South Mountain Park/Preserve. To provide an extra two hours of availability and promote hiking after 7 p.m., parking lot entrances are open until 9 p.m. at those locations. Year-round at those three trailheads, parking lots open at 5 a.m., and trails are open until 11 p.m. All other trails within the Phoenix parks system will remain open. </p> <p>During the Valley’s warm weather months, and regardless of whether an Excessive Heat Watch is in effect, it is recommended that trail users hike during the early morning or evening hours when it is cooler and there is more shade.</p> <p>Looking for an open trail? There are more than 200 miles of open trails within the City of Phoenix. Visit <a href=”http://www.Phoenix.gov/trails” target=”_blank”>Phoenix.gov/trails</a> to plan your next hike.</p> <p> <strong>BACKGROUND</strong> </p> <p>In summer 2021, the Parks and Recreation Department ran a 2 ½ month pilot program from July 13 to September 30 in which they closed these same trails to reduce heat-related injuries and deaths and reduce the risk of injuries to rescue personnel.</p> <p>In October of 2021, the Parks and Recreation Board formally adopted the program limiting hiking on some trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on National Weather Service issued Heat Warning days.</p> <p>The first full season of the Trails and Heat Safety Program ran from May 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2022, for a duration of 153 days. There were 18 <a href=”http://www.weather.gov” target=”_blank”>National Weather Service </a>(NWS) issued Heat Warning Days and, therefore, 18 resulting trail closure days in 2022.</p> <p> <strong>TAKE A HIKE, DO IT RIGHT</strong> </p> <p>The Phoenix Parks and Recreation, and Fire departments have worked in partnership since 2015 to share the <a href=”/parks/trails” target=”_blank”>“Take a Hike. Do it Right.</a>” hiking safety message and continue to lead with education about responsible hiking. All trail users should follow these important and potentially life-saving hiking guidelines:</p> <p>•Dress Appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat, and sunscreen.</p> <p>•Bring Water: Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink half of your water.</p> <p>•Keep in Contact: Carry a mobile phone.</p> <p>•Team Up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location.</p> <p>•Be Honest: Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don’t push yourself! (Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails.)</p> <p>•Don’t Trailblaze: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert’s beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails.</p> <p>•Take Responsibility: Don’t be “that person” – the one who wasn’t prepared, shouldn’t have been there for health reasons, or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker, who takes a hike and does it right!</p> <p>For the safety of pets, dogs are prohibited on any City of Phoenix trail when the temperature is 100 degrees or warmer. The Arizona Humane Society advises that temperatures in the 90s are also unsafe for pets to be outdoors. <br></p> </html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/parks | News | ||
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a Winner in IDC Government Insights’ Sixth Annual Smart Cities North America Awards | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/aviation/2722 | Aviation | 4/13/2023 12:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2722/newsroom_aviation_091.jpg | Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a Winner in IDC Government Insights’ Sixth Annual Smart Cities North America Awards | <div class=”ExternalClass9D10303909AA46EF94973BA92C02C791″><html><span style=”font-size:17.3333px;”><em>Airport recognized for its commitment to Digital Equity and Accessibility</em></span><br><br>PHOENIX – America’s Friendliest Airport® is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of an award in the IDC Government Insights’ sixth annual Smart Cities North America Awards (SCNAA) in the category of Digital Equity and Accessibility. The Airport was recognized for several innovative initiatives to help those who are visually and hearing impaired.<br><br>“I’m so pleased that our airport has been recognized with a Smart Cities Award,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Travel for people with disabilities can be challenging, and Phoenix Sky Harbor has been committed to ensuring that all travelers have the best possible trip. These new innovations improve accessibility and empower travelers so that they can have a more welcoming and positive experience.” <br><br>The Smart Cities Awards are designed to recognize the progress North American states and municipalities have made in executing Smart City projects, as well as provide a forum for sharing best practices to help accelerate Smart City development in the region. In addition to the winning project, Phoenix was also named a finalist for two additional initiatives: the Phoenix City Manager’s Performance Dashboard and Open Data initiative; and the Planning and Development Department’s ShapePHX permitting and inspection platform.<br><br>In 2022, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport launched a service called Aira. It’s a free service available to support those customers who are blind or have low vision. Aira uses a mobile app to assist passengers with a variety of needs, including moving through the airport, finding gates, reading flight information screens, and more. The app connects users with professionally trained visual interpreters who use live-streamed video to translate visual information into descriptive audio. The app is available in the Apple and Google Play stores, and while accessing the service for personal use requires a monthly subscription, America’s Friendliest Airport® has made the service free for all airport users.<br><br>“I’m so proud that the Aviation Department has been recognized for its work to help people to travel how they want, and to make that process as easy as possible,” said Councilwoman Debra Stark, chair of the city’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee. “We first started discussing Aira after I had a conversation with one of my constituents who uses the service, and it’s great to see what a big difference this technology can make for Sky Harbor’s passengers.”<br><br>The Airport also has several other unique innovations to help those with disabilities including hearing loops. In 2022, the Airport added hearing loops to its new Terminal 4 Eighth Concourse. With the recent expansions, Phoenix Sky Harbor has more than 85,000 square feet of hearing loops in Terminal 3 and another 25,000 in Terminal 4. This advanced technology improves accessibility for hearing-aid users by connecting directly to the public address system. It allows people who use hearing aids to more easily hear announcements about flight delays, gate changes and other useful information. <br><br>Additionally, Phoenix Sky Harbor offers other services like the Compassion Cacti™ lanyard program where those travelers who self-identify as needing extra assistance can request a free lanyard to be worn while traveling through the Airport. This signifies to Airport staff that these individuals may need a little extra time or help when in the Airport. The Airport also recently introduced a Sensory Room for individuals with autism, dementia or other-sensory related conditions, and Phoenix Sky Harbor has been focused on being a dementia-friendly airport by providing training for staff.<br><br>The City of Phoenix Smart Cities mission is data-driven, community-centered, technologically focused, and equitable, including designing and implementing solutions to community challenges and improving city processes for efficient use of time, resources, and energy – enhancing quality of life for all residents. Phoenix is a lead member of The Connective, a regional public-private consortium working to advance Smart Cities solutions across the region. <br><br>Projects were submitted earlier this year, and after finalists were announced in March, the public had the opportunity to review the projects and cast their vote. The awards will be presented as the Smart Cities Connect event being held May 16-18 in Denver. Learn more about the awards <a target=”_blank” aria-label=”Opens in New Tab” href=”https://www.idc.com/prodserv/insights/government/smart-cities-awards”>here</a>. <br><br><div style=”text-align:center;”><strong>Quotes from Phoenix City Council</strong></div><br>“Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is known for its friendly service, but its spirit of service goes much further. Our airport professionals have prioritized free access to assistive technology to ensure all travelers can move smoothly. I’m grateful that they are being recognized for their work in digital equity and accessibility, which has made them a leader in customer service.”<br><br><strong>Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari</strong><br><br> <br>“This award recognizes what we already know… Sky Harbor is committed to ensuring that our all our passengers and customers have a great experience. By providing this tool for people who are blind or low vision to navigate independently, our Aviation Department is making sure that “America’s Friendliest Airport” is also America’s most accessible airport to anyone who wants to travel.”<br><br><strong>District 1 Councilwoman Ann O’Brien</strong><br><br> <br>“This recognition by Smart Cities highlights that Phoenix is always working to find innovative ways to address the challenges that our residents face, Throughout my City Council career I have advocated to ensure that transportation is accessible to everyone, and the addition of Aira service is another way that the city helps to make that possible.”<br><br><strong>District 4 Councilwoman Laura Pastor</strong><br><br> <br>“Sky Harbor does more than connect our city with the world, it is an important part of our community as an economic engine and workforce hub. So it’s particularly important that we make our airport accessible to everyone. The addition of Aira service provides another layer of support to the traveling public and the workers who make the airport run, by giving them digital assistance in navigating the terminals if they need it. It is a great example of using technology for everyone’s benefit.”<br><br><strong>District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado</strong><br><br> <br>“Access to travel is important and I am excited to see Phoenix Sky Harbor receive recognition for the innovative work being done to get travelers from the curb to their gate in a safe and accessible way. The airport hearing loops, Aira phone app, and the Compassion Cacti lanyards are just a few programs demonstrating the City’s commitment to equal access to public services.”<br><br><strong>District 6 Councilman Sal DiCiccio</strong><br><br> <br>“I am proud that the Aviation Department is offering this service to our residents and customers at no cost – and is using innovative technology to provide an inclusive environment at Sky Harbor. This award is well-deserved, and a symbol of our commitment to be an airport for everyone.”<br><br><strong>District 8 Councilmember Carlos Garcia</strong><br><br> <div style=”text-align:center;”># # #</div><br>Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, America’s Friendliest Airport®, has an annual economic impact of more than $38 billion. On an average day, approximately 1,200 aircraft and more than 120,000 passengers arrive at and depart from Phoenix Sky Harbor every day. PHX Sky Harbor is funded with airport revenue. No tax dollars are used to support the airport.<br></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/aviation | News |
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