Hello Tucson,
We’ve been getting quite a few inquiries about Planning and Development Services processes currently underway. Koren Manning, Director, recently offered this information that we want to pass on to you:
PDSD is currently working on two code amendments. The first is a code amendment to comply with House Bill 2297. This bill requires municipalities to adopt zoning regulations to allow the adaptive reuse or redevelopment of obsolete office and commercial buildings for multifamily use and has a deadline of January 1, 2025 for cities to comply. This code amendment has been reviewed by Planning Commission, who unanimously recommended approval to Mayor and Council. Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on this code amendment on December 10, 2024. Materials are available here (Item 9):
https://tucsonaz.hylandcloud.com/221agendaonline/Meetings/ViewMeeting?id=1830&doctype=1
The second code amendment is the Community Corridors Tool. This proposal is the result of direction from Mayor and Council to develop tools to promote redevelopment of underutilized sites along our corridors, and make it easier to build housing. This direction was provided by our Mayor and Council well before the state bill was adopted and staff have been working on this proposal for over a year, with input from community members. This tool is being developed locally, to advance goals established by our community for more housing, transit-oriented development, walkable neighborhoods and climate resiliency. The proposal is not compelled by any state legislation. We have held four community meetings since August with robust attendance and have had a survey open for the last month which collected over 150 responses. We are currently evaluating and integrating this feedback into a revised proposal.
The next step is a Planning Commission study session, scheduled for December 18. The agenda and materials for this study session will be published one week in advance, on December 11, on the Planning Commission page. We will notify everyone who has participated in the outreach on this proposal thus far when the materials are available. The Planning Commission study session is informational. It will be an opportunity for the Commission and the public to learn about the current draft of the proposal and how community feedback has been integrated as we continue to refine the proposed code amendment. There is an opportunity for public comment during the call to the audience. We will be requesting that Planning Commission schedule this item for a public hearing on January 15, 2025, after the holidays. The study session will be recorded and the meeting recordings are available online, again, on the Planning Commission webpage, usually within 48 hours of the meeting.
Register for Senior Olympic Festival
Tucson Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona, is hosting the 40th Annual Senior Olympic Festival from January 4 to February 2, 2025, at various locations across Tucson. This festival celebrates fitness, health, and an active lifestyle for adults aged 50 and older. The event will feature a wide range of activities, including volleyball, bowling, bridge, racquetball, basketball shooting, pickleball, archery, golf, tennis, horseshoes, badminton, and more. Event entry fees vary. You can view the full event list and register online at the link below until Friday, December 27. Additionally, attend the "Meet the Coordinator" event on Thursday, December 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Morris K. Udall Recreation Center (7200 E. Tanque Verde Road) for more details about the festival, registration, raffle prizes, and a chance to receive a 2025 Senior Olympic Festival lapel pin (the first 50 attendees). REGISTER HERE
School’s Out – Winter Break
Need something for the kids to do while out on break? Tucson Parks and Recreation is offering School's Out Winter Break Camps at various locations throughout Tucson for children ages 5-11 (currently enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade) and the In-Betweeners Club for ages 12-14. Activities include games, sports, social interaction, dance, art projects, and nutrition-based learning. Registration opens online on Tuesday, December 9.
Dates: Monday, December 23 – Friday, January 3 (no camps on December 25 and January 1)
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. (camps will close at 2 p.m. on December 24 and December 31)
Cost: $40 for city residents, $50 for non-city residents.
Casa Alitas
Our office has been filled with your donations these past couple of weeks. We thank you for all that you are bringing in. Casa Alitas is still in need of more of the following:
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Kids- Long sleeves for 4-7 year old's
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Kids - Warm sweatshirts, jackets, hats, mittens, and scarfs
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Kids - Long pants in all sizes
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Women - small size new underwear
- Warm small travel blankets
Donations can be dropped off at the Ward 6 Council Office, located at 3202 E. 1st Street, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 1pm.
Community Space, Public Display Art, and Free Computer Access at the Ward 6 Council Office
Ward 6 room reservations for 2025 are now open! If you would like to reserve our meeting rooms, please submit the online form here. We offer two smaller rooms and one large room, each equipped with newly upgraded AV systems to support online or hybrid meetings, training on how to use the AV systems is also availlable upon request. If your group regularly hosts an event at Ward 6 Council Office, we can help you promote the event by sending the flyer or event description at ward6@tucsonaz.gov
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We also provide an opportunity for individuals or group of artists to display their artwork in the community room, with rotating exhibitions every month starting March 2025. Please reach out to Dora Maldonado to make a reservation. |
If you need access to a computer or the internet, we offer computers for public use. Please contact us by calling (520) 791-4601 or send an email to ward6@tucsonaz.gov to make appointment and to ensure that computer is prepared for you.
Community Events and Resources
Sustainable Tucson
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Join Sustainable Tucson on December 10 for an online end-of-year celebration of an exciting local climate achievement. On October 29, the Tucson Unified School District adopted a far-reaching and bold Climate Action Resolution, researched and written by members of the Arizona Youth Climate Coalition (AZYCC). |
Their December Sustainability Spotlight program will feature AZYCC co-leads Ojas Sanghi and Owen Brosanders, who will present what the Resolution covers, how it was developed, what it took to get TUSD approval, and what needs to happen now.
After a year filled with climate disasters, heat stresses, and contentious climate policies, we are fortunate to have this opportunity to congratulate these youth fighting for their future. You won’t want to miss what is sure to be an inspiring discussion with Ojas and Owen.
The program on Tuesday, December 10 will begin at 6:00 pm. The Zoom link for the meeting is on their website <www.sustainabletucson.org>, and on the Sustainable Tucson Facebook and Meetup pages.
Polar Express Midtown to Downtown Scavenger Hunt
All aboard the Polar Express! Join us for a festive ride as we celebrate clean air, a healthy watershed, and accessible public transportation for everyone. We’ll be hopping on the Polar Express, our local, free Sun Tran bus system, right from WMG’s Living Lab. Along the way, we’ll make stops at local businesses before heading downtown to the iconic Hotel Congress. This all-ages scavenger hunt is a fun way to explore our bus system, enjoy free goodies from local businesses, and connect with others who share the vision of a sustainable desert city.
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 5:00pm
The Polar Express will run in several shifts, starting at 5:00 pm. Choose from the 5:00, 5:30, or 6:00 rides—just show up 15 minutes before departure and bring your festive spirit! When: Thursday, December 19, 2024 - 5:00pm Where: 1137 N Dodge Tucson, AZ 85716 Register HERE
Photos with Santa Hosted by Tucson Police Department
Bring your family and friends for a fun opportunity to take pictures with Santa on Saturday, December 14, from 9 am to 12 pm at Jim & Vicki Click Boys & Girls Clubhouse at 1935 S Columbus Blvd. This is a free event, but we kindly ask that you bring donations of canned or boxed foods to support those in need. Hot cocoa will be provided to warm you up while you enjoy the festivities. For more information, please contact Sgt. Sean Travers at sean.travers@tucsonaz.gov. We look forward to seeing you there!
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
Upcoming Meetings
Mayor and Council Meeting
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
View agenda online: https://tucsonaz.hylandcloud.com/221agendaonline
Watch live:https://www.youtube.com/@cityoftucson/live
5th/Alvernon Crime Coalition
Wednesday 12/18, 6-7pm
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
City of Tucson Resources
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