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At Tuesday’s Mayor and Council meeting, I was joined by three of my colleagues in approving a request by Walmart for an expansion of their existing store at Wetmore and First Avenue in Ward 3.
When Walmart representatives first sat down with me last year and asked for my support for this expansion of an existing store – one over 30 years old – I told them that it would depend on what the neighbors and my colleagues thought about the expansion.
In addition to meeting with the Limberlost Neighborhood (as required) we requested that the applicant go through the Zoning Examiner process including a public hearing even though they were not required to do so. My office also wrote an article in our newsletter explaining the expansion request and asking for feedback.
 Ward 3 Council Aide Marlene Avelino and Attorney Rory Juneman walking into Walmart.
At the end of all this public engagement, my office received no opposition from any of the surrounding neighbors. All the feedback supported the expansion, especially if it came with improvements to the current shopping center. These improvements include pedestrian safety, shopping center accessibility and more grocery options.
In addition to those improvements, Walmart representatives agreed to fully fund a HAWK light across Wetmore (a priority for the Limberlost neighborhood) along with requests from my office to mitigate the heat island effect of their existing large asphalt parking lot by quadrupling the number of trees and vegetation required. Furthermore, they agreed to narrow the landscape pallet down to more suitable native desert vegetation.
During the past week and a half, I have received correspondence from (United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Jobs with Justice, and union grocery workers all asking that we deny the expansion. I appreciate everybody who reached out and I can’t argue in good faith with any of their points.
 A HAWK light (High Intensity Activated Cross Walk) similar to one that Walmart will fund as part of their expansion.
For the record, I would like to say that personally, I am not a fan of Walmart. I do not support their anti-union stance or the poverty wages they pay their employees. I choose not to shop there.
So, what this comes down to for me is supporting my own personal stance on Walmart versus the wants and needs of the residents of Ward 3 – in particular the neighbors around this shopping center.
This Walmart has been in existence for over three decades. The neighborhoods surrounding it are mostly low-income. It also happens to be next to the Tohono Tadai bus station, making it an easily accessible grocery option for nearby residents without personal transportation.
It is because of the support of the surrounding neighborhood and the concessions that Walmart agreed to make that I supported this project.
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City of Tucson Pools officially opened for the Summer Season last Saturday and the Ward 3 office kicked it off with a Pool Party at Mansfield Pool in the Sugar Hill Neighborhood near 6th Ave. and Grant Rd.
 Ward 3 Chief of Staff Katie Bolger taking a plunge off the new Mansfield water slide.
The ribbon cutting event for the new slide was co-sponsored by the Ward 3 office, the Sugar Hill Neighborhood Association and Tucson Parks and Recreation. The brand new water slide, which had replaced the old non-functioning one was a hit! The pool was at capacity, with a line to get in. Over 480 residents got to dip in the water, ride the water slide (including Vice Mayor Dahl and his Chief of Staff Katie Bolger) or jump off the high dive in the diving pool.
 Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl after a quick dip.
For those who weren’t in the pool, there was free snow-cones, pop-corn and food from Grandma's Recipe. A big "thank you" to Make Way for Books for donating the backpacks and books the Ward 3 table passed out. We engaged with lots of people who were happy the pool was open.
 Ward 3 Council Aide Shannon Jenkins and Community Services/Neighborhood Resource Project Coordinator Fabiola Bedoya enjoying a cup of fruit and chamoy.
Additional “Open Swim” hours have been recently added to our pools across the City. Please click on the button for more info.
 Nicole and Kevin Woodard of the Sugar Hill Coalition, Council Aide Marlene Avelilno, and Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl.
 Council Aide Marlene Avelino staffing the Ward 3 table.
In our March 8 newsletter, we featured the iconic wine bottle in front of Nancy's Boondocks Bar. Nancy Kuhlmann has been in the bar-owning business since the early 80's. Her career began in Oro Valley as the owner of the Chaparral Lounge. The establishment flourished until the town changed the requirements of liquor licenses to operate from a class 6 to a class 12. Licenses with class 12 require more restaurant-style food to be sold, think Famous Sam's type, while class 6 just requires liquor, yet can still sell food. Due to this new requirement, Nancy had to look for a place outside of Oro Valley to run her establishment as she only has a class 6. This brought her to Tucson where she opened Nancy’s on Ft. Lowell Pub. She operated it like a family bar, a place where everyone knew your name, as the Cheers theme goes.
 April, Nancy and, Jodi standing in front of the famous Boondocks bottle.
Eight years ago Nancy and her daughters, Jodi and April, learned that the Boondocks was up for sale after the unfortunate passing of the original owner Gloria Gillespie. Tired of leasing the building they were in, they decided to take the leap and buy the historic establishment. They did not want to change the name, but they did want to update and clean it up a bit. It was at this point that "The Boondocks" became "Nancy's Boondocks." Immediately, customers from her old bar followed her. In fact, she is happy to inform me that she has been able to hold on to customers for 40 years and still gain new ones. She told me "People come here and feel like family."
 The iconic Boondocks Bottle.
Nancy's Boondocks was at different times a burger joint, a German eatery, and an Italian restaurant; so it came with a full kitchen. They took advantage of that and kept the traditional “Big Ass Burger” from the previous Boondocks along with some other good eats. They are pretty well known for their jalapeño poppers. Nancy also started a new tradition for the bar, every Thanksgiving and Christmas they give away whole turkeys and dinner to anyone that walks in. Nancy's kind-hearted gesture helped feed around 200 last year. She and her family stayed until 9 pm serving members of the Tucson community that needed a bite to eat and a warm place to dine.
 Exterior of Nancy's Boondocks.
Nancy and her daughter's future plans include keeping their customers happy and improving the property in order to expand the welcoming environment. They would love to grow the patio and have more outdoor seating. So, if you are looking for a fun welcoming atmosphere where you can find entertainment, be part of a pool league, or just need a good Bloody Mary and a Big Ass Burger stop by Nancy's Boondocks. If you don’t have a friend you will make one here.
 April, Nancy, and Jodi inside of Nancy's Boondocks.
 June 4, 2024 Study Session and Regular Agenda
Study Session included an executive session for discussion Tucson Electric Power Company’s Application to the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility. A discussion of amendments to the License Agreement between the City of Tucson, the Rio Nuevo and the Tucson Roadrunners. Discussion of Sun Tran Comprehensive Operational Analysis.
Regular Agenda included a public hearing on zoning to approve the expansion of Walmart on east Wetmore and 1st Ave. Adoption of 2024/2025 budget and the adoption of a Heat Protection Ordinance.
For the complete Study Session and Regular Agenda please click on the buttons below.
For the full coverage of the Mayor and Council meeting on June 4, 2024, please click on the button below.
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 GIBSON / ID# A835530
Age:1 year 7 months
Qualities:
Big boy (100lb) Gibson was very nervous when he got to PACC but quickly began to open up with staff and volunteers. Gibson was lucky enough to get a break in a foster home, and just came back to the shelter with glowing reviews! In his foster home, he did well with other dogs, including a small dog; was housebroken and crate trained; loved car rides and lounging in the kiddie pool; and slept near his foster mom at night. This goofy, affectionate boy is ready to be your new best friend!
Fee:
Gibson has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
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Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association
Tuesday 6/11, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Marty Birdman Center
2536 N Castro Ave
Alvernon-Grant Initiative
Tuesday 6/11, 6 - 7 pm
Emmanuel Church
1825 N. Alvernon
The Ward 3 office is open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am -1 pm, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711 or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
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Uof A Celebrates Juneteenth With A Month Full Of Events
The following talks, hosted by the university's Office of Black Advancement and Engagement, will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays throughout June and are free and open to the public.
- June 4: "Beyond Juneteenth: The Legacy of Juneteenth" | Lehman Benson, Vice President, Black Advancement and Engagement
- June 11: "Beyond Juneteenth: Why Everyone Can Celebrate" | Tani Sanchez, Professor of Practice, Department of Africana Studies
- June 18: "History of Juneteenth – Historical Context" | Johnny Bowens, Senior Lecturer, Department of Africana Studies
Click here for more info on Juneteenth events at the U of A.
Tucson Rock Camp June 10-15
 
Plastics Town Hall at Ward 6 on June 11
Election Ready Virtual Event on June 15th
Food distribution: Food4Life is Saturday, June 15, at New Life Community Church of the Nazarene 3367 N. Geronimo.
Sign-up begins at 8 am and continues as long as they have food. Food is usually distributed beginning around 10, and they finish by 11 or 11:30. They have vegetables, fruit, packaged food, desserts, dairy, and some meat. You get to select your own food. There are no income, residency, or other requirements. Clothing is also available from 8 to 9 a.m.
Tucson's Proposition 407 Funds New Pedestrian Safety and Public Art Project
 In collaboration with the City of Tucson Transportation and Mobility Department, the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona invites artists to submit qualifications for the opportunity to create innovative public artwork for the 5th and 6th Street Pedestrian Safety and Walkability Public Art Project.
The 5th and 6th Street Pedestrian Safety and Walkability project will provide sidewalks, landscaping, and lighting for people walking and assistive mobility devices. This project is funded by Proposition 407 - Tucson Delivers Strong Connections, a bond package approved by voters to fund improvements to parks and construction of new bicycle and pedestrian routes.
Public Art Component
The public art opportunity for this project is open to all forms of free-standing public art that can withstand the harsh outdoor Southern Arizona climate. Sculptures that integrate shade, seating, or bike racks elements are also encouraged. The artwork will be located on the traffic island on the corner of 6th & Country Club within the location of two bus stops. The project location will have no walls or surfaces for murals or two-dimensional art. The artwork components will be exposed to harsh desert elements, sustainable materials as well as functionality in this climate are essential to address longevity and maintenance.
Call to Artist Details:
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Due Date: Tuesday, June 25 2024, by 11:59 pm Arizona Time
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Budget: $47,885
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Funding Department: City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility
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Eligibility: This public art opportunity is open to all professional artists and artist teams. See guidelines for further details.
Pima Association of Governments (PAG) Survey
Pima Association of Governments (PAG), the greater Tucson region's metropolitan planning organization, has launched the “Shape Your Transportation Future” survey, which allows community members to share your transportation priorities and experiences, and where you believe PAG should apply its transportation funding resources for the next 30 years. Results will inform development of the 2055 Regional Mobility and Accessibility Plan, or RMAP. As the federally required metropolitan planning organization, PAG must update this long-range transportation plan every four years to annually secure millions of dollars in federal funding for essential transportation improvements in the region. Your input matters!
You can learn more and take the brief survey at www.PAGregion.com/2055. The survey, which is less than 10 minutes, is available in English and Spanish.
Living Streets Alliance is seeking an Open Streets Manager
 Living Streets Alliance is seeking a passionate, creative, and thoughtful individual to join our team of advocates working to bring Tucson’s streets to life.
If you love connecting with people from all walks of life and building relationships, leading projects and event production, and thrive in a collaborative environment with a small and mighty team of co-creators, you'll love this position!
This position will remain open until filled. We’ll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All applicants will be contacted regarding next steps. Feel free to contact LSA with any questions.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Is Looking For Volunteers
Community Garden Plots Available
Ready, Set, REC! in June
Go Electric AZ is Looking For Individuals Interested in Electrification of Their Homes and Their Transportation
 Sustainable Tucson's Energy Transformation Working Group (ETWG) provides a volunteer-based service dedicated to helping homeowners transition to electrified and energy-efficient homes. The website is goelectricaz.org. That program has completed its first training for coaches and is accepting clients on a limited basis. If you would like to receive assistance on electrifying your home, sign up at goelectricaz.org/client.
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
 Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30- 6:00 pm,
Thursdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8am-9:30am.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
Prevent Lead Exposure in Your Home
Programa de Control de Peligros de Pintura a Base de Plomo
We welcome your feedback !
Please feel free to email us at Ward3@tucsonaz.gov
To subscribe to this newsletter go to https://www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3
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