Councilman Tom Simplot's
North Central News Column

October 2006

Cha- Cha- Cha- Changes

We’ve all said it: “Change is difficult.”

That old adage applies to every aspect in our lives, whether it’s changing jobs, residences or even changes in and around our neighborhoods. Those of us in the central corridor are certainly seeing and feeling the effects of change.

The most obvious change is the current light rail construction and the opening of the METRO light rail system in late 2008. Along with light rail, other changes will occur that will alter the look of Central Avenue. There have been discussions about the development of new high-rises along this stretch. And it's very likely that some of these developments will materialize.

Central Avenue has historically been our “high-rise corridor,” and although there was little development for quite a few years, that is now changing. There is talk about re-energizing Central Avenue with new high-rise residences, businesses and office buildings.

We central corridor residents have an opportunity to educate ourselves now and get involved early in the development process for positive change, fulfilling the general plan that's been in place for decades.

As our future will hopefully show, change can be for the better. And we will make sure that your interests are heard and considered as the changes keep coming.

One way that we would like to change your morning routine once a month is by inviting you to come out to our monthly breakfast meetings. The breakfasts are a great way for us to share ideas, learn about new projects happening in our city and get help on issues that concern us.

At many of our breakfasts, we welcome city staff experts to hear your feedback and bring back suggestions.

Previous guests have included Mayor Phil Gordon, the city’s new Parks and Recreation director Sara Hensley and Police Chief Jack Harris.

Our breakfast meetings are held on the third Thursday each month at the HomeTown Buffet Restaurant, 1501 W. Bethany Home Road, in the northeast corner of the Spectrum Mall. The meetings begin at 7:30 a.m. and are finished by 9 a.m. The next scheduled meetings are on Oct. 19 and Nov. 16.

Two great events are coming up at Steele Indian School Park. You don't want to miss the classic comedy "Young Frankenstein," on Saturday, Oct. 28. This is the final Moonlight Movie of 2006 and it starts at sunset.

Come out a few hours early with your four-legged friend in costume for our "Tricks and Treats Doggie Costume Party." This is the first Halloween at the new Dog Park and we wanted to celebrate. There will be costume contests, pictures, a mini-obstacle course and more. It runs from 4-5:30 p.m. and maybe we'll make it an annual tradition.

These are the kinds of events that bring the community together and we are working to do that all year long – and that's something that won't be changing.

Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4, which includes parts of north central Phoenix. If you have questions, comments or suggestions on this or any other issue, contact his office at council.district.4@phoenix.gov or call 602-262-7447.