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Councilman Greg Stanton's
Arcadia News Column
February 2001
The Arizona Legislature recently began its 2001 session and the City Council has worked with our neighborhood leaders to outline a list of legislative priorities.
"Our goal is to continue the favorable progress that has been made over the last three years working with members of the Legislature to pass legislation that will enhance and protect the quality of life within neighborhoods," said Arcadia resident Paul Barnes, president of the Neighborhood Coalition of Greater Phoenix.
I am committed to fighting for neighborhood-friendly legislation. Some of our top priorities include:
- Strengthening local control of public rights-of-way.
Last year, more than 10,000 street cut permits were filed with the city of Phoenix. City Council offices receive many calls from residents complaining about having to drive over metal plates in the streets and the traffic congestion that results from the street cuts. Most Phoenix residents are not aware that it is not the city but the telecommunications industry that is digging in their street.
ACTION: The city will oppose legislation that would limit local control to protect the street rights-of-way.
- Increasing city input regarding group homes.
Cities have little say in addressing resident concerns about group homes.
ACTION: The City Council supports legislation that will require group homes to comply with local zoning laws and spacing requirements; require the State Department of Health Services to provide current group home registry information to local governments on a regular basis; and grant local governments authority to comment during the licensing review process.
- Getting tough on problem liquor establishments.
The Police and other city departments frequently face problems due to poorly run liquor establishments, such as criminal activity in the parking lots of liquor stores and bars. Current state law does not allow the Department of Liquor License and Control to address criminal activities that occur in a liquor establishment's parking lot.
ACTION: The City Council supports legislation that will allow the Department of Liquor License and Control to address outdoor onsite problems at liquor establishments. This legislation will provide much needed relief to the neighborhoods and the Police Department.
- Increasing rights for neighborhoods.
Last year, the legislature enacted a bill granting neighborhoods victim rights for crimes such as prostitution and drugs.
ACTION: This year the neighborhoods would like to extend these rights to include graffiti-related crimes. The City Council supports this legislation.
- Addressing classroom size.
The fast-paced growth in Phoenix has placed a tremendous burden on schools to keep up with the hundreds of new students each year.
ACTION: The City Council supports legislation that would require residential developers to prepare an education impact analysis of their proposed development, and would grant cities the authority to deny building permits until this analysis is complete. The legislation also would apply to the State Land Department and prohibit the agency from moving forward with land auctions until a school-impact analysis is complete.
- Eliminating methamphetamine labs.
Meth labs are a growing problem in the Valley. One particularly difficult issue is the proper clean up of the home, hotel room or car used to make drugs. Currently, the Police Department is attempting to address these crimes and clean up the contaminated property.
ACTION: The City Council supports legislation to encourage the State Department of Environmental Quality to clean up meth labs.
- Expanding sex offender notification.
Police departments are required to inform residents when a registered sex offender moves into their neighborhood. Occasionally, the offenders will list themselves as homeless, making it difficult to track the offenders and notify residents.
ACTION: The City Council supports the Police Department's legislation to require offenders to list their location, even if it is a homeless shelter or a temporary place of residence.
This year, we have created a Legislative phone tree to keep residents up-to-date on the status of bills and other issues. To join the phone tree, call (602) 256-4257.
I will continue to fight for stronger neighborhoods at the Legislature. By working with our legislative leaders such as Rep. Steve May, Rep. Jeff Hatch-Miller and Sen. Tom Smith, who represent the Arcadia community, we can and will make a difference. For information about this or other issues, please call my office at (602) 262-7491 or e-mail me at gstanton@ci.phoenix.az.us.
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