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Karin’s Ward 3 News and Updates
Friday, May 14, 2021
News and Updates
Pet of the Week
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings
Ward 3 Events
City Wide Events
Did You Know?
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Dear Tucsonans,
We have another weekly Ward 3 newsletter filled with useful information. But first a few words about next week’s Mayor and Council meeting on Tuesday. We will continue to discuss, during the 2 pm study session, the upcoming 2021-2022 fiscal year budget. Some major new budget proposals include funding for a robust Community Safety Program, additional support for small businesses and economic development and the creation of the Office of Equity. During the 5:30 pm regular meeting a public hearing will be held on the budget. Other topics of discussion during the afternoon session will focus on the City’s alignment with the Regional Transportation Authority Next Framework and we will review the Sunshine Mile Urban Overlay District, that would promote multi-use, transit oriented development along a two-mile stretch of East Broadway from Euclid to Country Club.
Continue to read the newsletter for information about an upcoming ice cream social and outdoor movie at La Madera Park as part of the public outreach campaign to provide information about the proposed Blacklidge Bicycle Boulevard. Residents who ride their bikes to the May 22 event could win a gift card from BICAS. Lend A Hand Senior Assistance and Pima County Constable Bennett Bernal will sponsor a Shred-it event later this month and there is information from the City’s Parks and Recreation Department which is bringing back programs. Lastly we look at the Amphi neighborhood and encourage its residents to be active in the community.
Have a lovely weekend.
Sincerely,
Karin
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Blacklidge Bicycle Boulevard
So how does that song by Queen, the British rock band, go?
“Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle I want to ride my bicycle I want to ride my bike I want to ride my bicycle I want to ride it where I like”
Yeah, that one.
Well you too can ride your bike. You can ride your bike, along with family and neighbors, to La Madera Park for ice cream and a movie on Saturday, May 22. The neighborhood family event is being sponsored by the City’s Department of Transportation and Mobility so that nearby residents can learn more about the proposed Blacklidge Bicycle Boulevard. Living Streets Alliance, a local non-profit that promotes friendly and safe streets for cyclists and pedestrians, will serve up ice cream, offer free bike repair and screen the Disney movie, “Inside Out.”
The event begins at 6 pm and the movie starts at 7:45 pm. Residents who ride to the event can enter their name for Ward 3 sponsored gift certificates from BICAS, the Ward 3 non-profit cycle shop.
The Blacklidge bike project is part of the City’s Bicycle Boulevard Master Plan to create a wider network of city streets to allow residents get to work, school, parks and neighborhood sites along lower-stress streets. The bike boulevard will stretch 4.5 miles between Oracle Road to McCormick Park, at Columbus Boulevard. Along the route there are 5 parks and 4 schools.
“I am thrilled to have Blacklidge become a bike boulevard,” Jane Evans wrote us. “I live on the 4th Ave/ Fontana Bike Boulevard and we saw the benefits of our street becoming a bike boulevard immediately.”
The Blacklidge project is funded by Proposition 407, a bond package approved by voters in 2018 to fund improvements to parks and construction of new bicycle and pedestrian routes.
“Every morning I see commuters using the bike boulevard to get from where they live to where they are going. I often wonder are they going downtown, to the University, some point in between? I love the idea that more people are seeing our neighborhood,” wrote Jane, a resident of the Keeling neighborhood.
But beyond making the route calmer and safer for cyclists and pedestrians and residents, encouraging cycling, and making it smoother for commuters, students and everyone, increasingly makes sense. Fenton Johnson, an avid commuter cyclist living in Ward 3 wrote, “The current gas crisis on the East Coast points up emphatically that bicycles offer one of our best options for liberating ourselves from fossil fuels.”
In addition to the ice cream social at La Madera Park, the City’s Transportation Department will hold a second virtual town hall to further discuss the plan and answer residents’ questions. The session will be held Thursday May 27, at 6 pm in English and in Spanish at 7 pm. Here is the link to register for the session. Or join by phone: 213-293-2303. Phone Conference ID is: 988 929 902#
If you have further questions or comments, please contact Collin Chesston at Collin.Chesston@tucsonaz.gov or call 520-305-0254.
If we can re-imagine our public streets, make them more usable for cyclists and pedestrians, maybe our future will look and feel differently.
As Jane put it: “I dream of a time when all homes along the Bike boulevards plant street trees so the Boulevards will be safe for bikes and shady for walkers/runners and families.”
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Amphi Neighborhood
About two years ago, Kevin Larkin and his partner moved to Tucson, leaving the cool climate of Denver for Tucson’s hearty heat. They moved into the Amphi neighborhood.
From the get go, they made it a priority to get to know their neighbors. They reached out to Literacy Connects, a key partner in the neighborhood. They have extended their hands to their new vecinos with a friendly, “howdy neighbor.”
“This is our home,” Kevin said.
 The Amphi neighborhood is home to many long-time residents and recent arrivals like Kevin and his partner. Amphi is also home to the high school that carries its name and to other schools; to Literacy Connects and Woods Memorial Library, to a myriad of businesses, to social service agencies such El Rio Clinic and Salvation Army, churches and more.
It is one of the larger neighborhoods in Ward 3. Its boundaries are Stone Avenue to the west, First Avenue to the East, Ft. Lowell Road to the south and Roger Road to the north. Because of its size and diversity, the Amphi neighborhood has a deep wellspring of potential to coalesce neighbors and advocate more strongly for the neighborhood’s families and businesses.
“It shows that we care about the neighborhood,” said Susan Friese, director of Community Engagement for Literacy Connects, located on Yavapai Road.
 One of the many ways that neighbors can show their concern for their neighborhood is to get together, meet new neighbors and hit the streets to pick up litter and trash.
Sunday, a group of volunteers will meet at Literacy Connects, 200 E Yavapai Rd., and fan out. The clean-up crew will meet at 7:45 am to get vests, gloves, litter grabbers, and trash bags. Groups will split into 2 or 3 people. If some volunteers want to work on Prince Road, they’ll drive and park on a side street. Others will work on Yavapai starting in front of the LC campus. The clean-up party will last until 9:30 am. Volunteers are asked to bring water, dress appropriately, wear a hat and put on sunscreen.
“Part of this is to get neighbors to get out and to get to know each other,” said Susan, who participates in a group of Amphi neighborhood organizations to share information to benefit Amphi residents.
The Amphi Coalition, which was formed in 2018, is composed of private and public entities that work in the Amphi neighborhood. They all share a goal of uplifting the neighborhood by connecting residents to resources. Some of the groups are Literacy Connects, Habitat for Humanity, Amphitheater Public Schools, International Refugee Committee, Woods Memorial Library, Salvation Army, New Life Community Church of the Nazarene, 4Tucson, UA Garden Kitchen, Pima County, Tucson Police Department and Ward 3.
 Habitat for Humanity built eight homes on Minton Road, just west of Literacy Connects.
Certainly Amphi faces significant challenges. The neighborhood has a large number of renters, who by their nature, move in and out with higher frequency. Amphi is home to diverse ethnic groups, many of whom English is not their first language. Amphi is a working-class neighborhood. But Amphi’s challenges are not unique in Tucson or any mid-size to major city in the country.
With more residents becoming involved, the opportunities for change increase. Neighborhood associations are able to advocate more forcefully than a single resident. Amphi’s neighborhood association is working to get on its feet after a period of inactivity.
“Small actions go a long way,” said Ethan Wilson, who has lived in the neighborhood on Geronimo Avenue for eight years. He’s looking to join Sunday’s clean up with a few neighbors in tow.
Residents are the eyes and ears of the neighborhood, and they are, as a group, the mouthpiece for the neighborhood. Through a neighborhood association, good changes can and do come.
Join your neighbors Sunday morning at Literacy Connects. Help clean up and make new friends. If you are interested in knowing more or joining the Amphi Neighborhood Association please contact the Ward 3 office at ward3@tucsonaz.gov
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Parks and Rec Update
On May 15th Parks and Rec will open KidCo registration. They will be operating KidCo at both school and park locations. All group and class sizes will be reduced, and physical distancing will be required. Please stay home if you are feeling sick and follow all other CDC guidelines to keep safe. Every person in the City of Tucson over the age of 5 is required to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when in a public setting where continuous physical distancing is difficult or impossible. Learn more about the mask ordinance here.
Registration Information:
KIDCO, In-Betweener's Club, Jr. Staff in Training, and Therapeutic Recreation Programs
The Discount Program is available to those who qualify. Make an appointment at Registration Services prior to registration. For questions or more information on registration, programs, or to set up an account, contact Registration Services at (520) 791-4877.
Also beginning Saturday, May 15, Parks and Rec will be approving special event applications for special-interest areas within City parks. Special events will be limited to 25% capacity as defined by the venue size. Event areas with no capacity limits will be limited to 250 people. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days in advance of the event. At this time, Parks and Rec are also not approving festivals, fairs, processions or parades, car shows, public concerts, performances, or movies. The Gene C. Reid Park Outdoor Performance Center will continue to remain closed.
For more information, email specialevents@Tucsonaz.gov, or call 520-837-8043. For larger events in the City, please visit Tucsonaz.gov/business/special-events.
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Differential Water Rate
On April 6, 2021, the Mayor and Council gave notice of their intention to implement a differential rate structure for Tucson Water customers located in unincorporated Pima County. We invite you to watch a video with Interim Assistant City Manager Tim Thomure that outlines the proposal and the water conservation elements that are being considered.
Here are some quick facts:
- 29% of Tucson Water’s customers are in unincorporated Pima County
- The 29% of Tucson Water customers located in unincorporated Pima County utilize 36% of the pipeline assets
- Customers in unincorporated County use 43% more water on average than City customers
- The reclaimed water for many County customers is not returned to the City as a resource, even though the water was provided by the City
- City customers bear the utility's financial risks
- City is extending a City service, with its own resources, to non-City residents with no return-on-investment
- Tucson Water is not the regional water provider
- Most Arizona municipal water utilities who serve customers outside their jurisdiction apply a differential rate to those customers
Learn more about the proposal and how you can attend the next Town Hall on May 25 from 5:30 – 7pm.
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Gabriel
“Hiya! My name is Gabriel and I may not know you yet, but we’re going to be good friends. How do I know this? Well, I’m friends with everyone! I’m a 7-year-old boy who is starting to slow down a bit. But I still love going on walks and I will jump for joy at the chance to get treats! I love to have my head rubbed and enjoy being told that I’m a very good boy.”
Want to meet a dog who can light up your whole day? Spend a little time with Gabriel, a senior Pit Bull mix, who displays a happy effervescent personality that is contagious; you can’t help but smile in his presence. Seeing your expression of delight only makes Gabriel happier and your time together just spirals upward. Gabriel appears to have had a happy and fulfilling life over his 7 years, marred only recently by the tragedy of the passing of his owner. Accustomed to human companionship Gabriel misses sharing his boundless affection with people. Lucky is the person who chooses to be the recipient of Gabriel’s unconditional love and cheer by adopting this very special dog.
Meet Gabriel at Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. or call (520) 327-6088 ext. 173 for more information.
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings |
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Mountain/1st
Saturday
May 15
9-10:30 am
Zoom
Flowing Wells
Thursday
May 20
6-7:30 pm
ZOOM Meeting
Miracle Manor
Thursday
May 20
6-7 pm
701 W. Glenn St
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BICAS Art Mart
Sunday
May 16
9 am-1 pm
BICAS parking lot
2001 N 7th Ave
Join BICAS staff and volunteers to support local artists and make kids crafts with BICAS Art!
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Amphi Neighborhood Clean Up
Sunday
May 16th
8-9:30 am
Meet at Literacy Connects
200 E Yavapai Rd
The next scheduled trash pickup in Amphi will be Sunday, May 16th from 8-9:30 am. Family and friends are welcome. Meet at Literacy Connects at 7:45 am to get vests, gloves, grabbers, and trash bags. Groups will be split into 2 or 3 people. Wear masks and stay socially distant. Those who want to work on Prince Road can drive and park on a side street. All others will work on Yavapai starting in front of the LC campus. When it’s done, meet back at Literacy Connects to return your vests, etc. Trash bags will go into the Literacy Connects dumpster. Also, bring water, dress appropriately, wear a hat and put on sunscreen.
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Blacklidge Bicycle Boulevard Public Meeting in Ward 3
ICE CREAM SOCIAL & BIKE-IN MOVIE
(Pop-Up Open House + Ice Cream + FREE bike repair)
Saturday
May 22
6:00 - 7:45 pm
La Madera Park
2700 E La Madera Dr
Open house ends and family-friendly movie starts at 7:45 pm.
Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the evening.
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Feldman’s Neighborhood Outdoor Concerts
Saturdays
May 15 & 29
5-7 pm
East Mabel Street between 4th & 5th Ave
Two blues concerts featuring Feldman’s neighbor, the talented young blues guitarist Roman Barten-Sherman and harmonica wiz Tom Walbank.
Please wear a mask, as it will be difficult to consistently maintain 6-foot distancing. There is no admission charge, but a donation for the musicians is appreciated.
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Proposition 102 Tucson Delivers Better Streets Improvements in Flowing Wells
Milling and paving work is scheduled to begin in early June. Neighbors will begin to see crews in the area before that date to construct ADA compliant curb ramps, lower the water valves and manhole covers along with tree trimming.
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Lend A Hand and Pima County Constable Bennett Bernal Sponsor Shred-It in Ward 3
Saturday
May 29
8-10 am
Sacred Heart Church
601 E Ft. Lowell
$5 donation per box suggested
All proceeds go to Lend A Hand Senior Assistance
This is a drive through event, please stay in your vehicle and wear a mask
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Walk Up Vaccine Site in Ward 3
Thursday
May 20
1:30-3 pm
Cornerstone Fellowship Church
2902 N Geronimo (at Luguna)
Pima County Health Department will have a free, walk-up vaccine site on Thursday, May 20.The health department staff will provide the Moderna vaccine, free of charge, with no pre-registration required. Moderna is approved for age 18 and older. All are welcome regardless of status. Feel free to invite others to come. The second dose will be provided four weeks later, on June 17 at the same time and location.
For more information, go to the Pima County Health Department website.
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Cafecito Presentation
Thursday
May 20
5:30-7 pm
Please register
Join us for our next Cafecito Presentation on Home Repair and Accessibility programs in Tucson.
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Learn about a proposed zoning change to allow Accessory Dwelling Units
Attend a virtual public meeting to learn about a proposed code change to allow backyard casitas (also known as Accessory Dwelling Units) in Tucson. Hear how this housing option can provide affordable housing, help seniors age in place, and promote sustainable infill development.
PDSD staff will present a draft proposal for new zoning regulations to permit this housing type. This proposal was developed based on what we heard at public meetings held earlier this year, and input from a stakeholder group representing a range of viewpoints and expertise. Share your feedback and hear from other community members.
Meetings will be held at the following times:
Wednesday, May 19, 1:00pm – 2:30pm - Register here
Saturday, May 22, 10:00am – 11:30am - Register here
Monday, May 24, 5:30pm – 7:00pm - Register here
Tuesday, May 25, 9:00am – 10:30am - Register here
You can find more background about the project here.
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SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM
The Federal Communications Commission is launching a program to help families and households afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, May 12, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) will provide a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Tickets are free, but reservations are required and space is limited. Visit Literacy Connects to learn more and sign up. If you can’t make it but want to see the stories, don’t despair! We’ll be posting all the Best Of on our website after the event.
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Pima County Interfaith Hosts Online Eviction Prevention Workshop
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