As the dust settles on 2015, residents in South Mountain and Laveen Villages can say goodbye to a year of transition and welcome 2016, the year of inevitable and dramatic transformation for their community, from added police officers to the first stages of construction on the South Mountain Freeway.
While neighborhood crime, housing prices and development remain the top concerns among residents and city leaders, South Phoenix is poised for improved economic conditions and job creation, all resting on the change that will come with improved infrastructure via the long-awaited freeway. The growth, however, will come with growing pains and community leaders emphasize that the city needs to prepare for the transition from rural to suburban.
We asked our area Phoenix City Council members and other community leaders to address what they consider the most pressing priorities for 2016. Here is a summary of the questions we posed to them and their responses.
QUESTION 1: As we begin 2016, what do you consider the most pressing issue facing the residents of the South Mountain-Laveen area and why do you consider that a priority?
QUESTION 2: How can residents in the community work together to achieve a positive outcome regarding your answer to Question 1? What stake should residents have in this issue and improving/protecting their community?
QUESTION 3: Although the South Mountain Freeway project is in legal limbo until the summer, most people and community leaders believe it will go forward as planned. As the project begins, how do you see it changing the landscape and character of the community?
Jon Kimoto
Jon Kimoto has been a Village Planning Committee member for six years and a Laveen resident since 1985. He also is a member of Laveen Citizens for Responsible Development, a nonprofit group that works with the Planning Committee, developers and city leaders.
QUESTION 1: “In my opinion it is maintaining continuity of our past to guide both our present and our future. We shouldn’t forget our roots. Those are important core values that form the foundation of our planning decisions and documents. I think it’s important to transcend our agrarian heritage and maintain lower densities as we develop out toward South Mountain, to preserve open space and, of course, to preserve the quality of the architectural design that we have tried to have reflect the rural ranch life that was here before many of us. We need to balance that off with high-quality landscaping and quality lighting to preserve our night skies and to preserve a rural-type atmosphere.”
“I think that the highest priority is to maintain the quality of development as we approach the next level of development here in Laveen – not try to cram something into every niche.”
QUESTION 2: “We need to continue the involvement of the many active community leaders who have lived here for the past 15-25 years who were involved in the creation of the planning tools …. And impart that information to our newcomers. Those of us who do advise the city planners must maintain adherence to our foundational principles and objectives that have been adopted in the land use plans and guidelines.”
QUESTION: 3 “Every time we pave a road out here, it brings a lot of trouble. That’s both positive and negative.”
“One of the positive aspects is that the South Mountain Freeway will complete the transportation corridor and our comprehensive plan for along that corridor.” (For example, Kimoto noted the planned hospital, shopping center and movie theater). “Another positive factor: it will take a lot of the heavy truck traffic off 51st Avenue, alleviating the noise and congestion for the residential areas along 51st Avenue.”
“There also will be a lot of employment during the freeway construction. There will be a lot more jobs locally. It will jumpstart the rest of the needed development. The more rooftops, the more developers who will be attracted to bring in national chains.”
“On the negative side, initially the community fought the alignment the freeway because it physically divides our Laveen community … The freeway will be a physical barrier to West Laveen to our central community. We originally fought to have it run along the Gila River Indian Reservation border because it was more of a natural division.”
“Another negative is that in the interim, while the freeway is being built, there is going to be a lot of disruption of traffic east and west along Baseline and Dobbins and Southern. There is going to be a lot of construction, construction vehicles and road hazards that come with that kind of construction. City and state officials really need to try to mitigate some of these problems before they crop up. If we can try and anticipate the disruptions before they occur and try to solve that, at least we will have a jumpstart on it.”
“It also will bring a lot of pressure to change the general plan and increase our current density and the intensity of the commercial development. We have to weigh and balance that against what we actually need here in Laveen to have a viable, livable community here.”
“Unless new developers have a darned good reason for increasing the density over what in current plans, they should adhere to the land-use plans. That’s where the battle lines are going to be drawn. That’s where it comes back to building a quality community.”
Kate Gallego
Phoenix City Councilwoman Kate Gallego, District 8, which encompasses parts of Laveen and south-central Phoenix. She was elected in 2013.
As we begin 2016, what do you consider the most pressing issue facing the residents of the South Mountain-Laveen area and why do you consider that a priority?
“Our community is an exciting place to be, and in 2016, there will be both challenges and opportunities facing the residents of the South Mountain-Laveen area. The main issue facing our community in 2016 is the continued need to build a diverse and sustainable economy. As new economic opportunities come to our community with the construction of the Loop 202 Freeway, the only way we can capitalize on this is if we make investments in infrastructure and public safety that meet the needs of our residents.
“Public safety is of particular importance; now that we are hiring police officers again we are making progress in the right direction, and at the city council I am a persistent advocate for improved response times on the south side of our city. Whether it’ is flood control that protects residents from natural disasters, transportation that helps residents get to and from work, or maintaining public safety, it is investments in infrastructure that will make sure our economy grows in a sustainable manner.”
How can residents in the community work together to achieve a positive outcome regarding your answer to Question 1? What stake should residents have in this issue and improving/protecting their community?
“Our community has, time and again, been a place where individuals stepped up to the plate and given part of their time and talent to help make this a great place to live. I believe that you can only build a sustainable and diverse economy if you have a strong social fabric, so I would encourage residents first and foremost to step forward through volunteerism — whether it is getting active in your local school, coaching sports, or participating in your local Block Watch. I would also encourage residents to not hesitate before calling the police if they experience or witness crime, so that we can work together to keep our community safe.”
Although the South Mountain Freeway project is in legal limbo until the summer, most people and community leaders believe it will go forward as planned. As the project begins, how do you see it changing the landscape and character of the community?
“One of the main complaints I hear from constituents is about the lack of services south of the river, and economic experts agree, the South Mountain Freeway is the No. 1 way we can expand access to services like movie theaters, restaurant and grocery options and family-friendly activities.”
“With any big change, there are sure to be things that don’t go as smoothly as we would like, and there is no denying that there will be trade-offs that accompany the expanded economic opportunities the freeway will bring. That being said, I think that once completed, the improved access to jobs and services will be a tremendous net positive for quality of life in the South Mountain-Laveen area.”
Michael Nowakowski 
Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski, District 7, which encompasses a large swath of Laveen and South Phoenix. He joined the city council after being elected in 2007.
As we begin 2016, what do you consider the most pressing issue facing the residents of the South Mountain-Laveen area and why do you consider that a priority?
“The South Mountain-Laveen region is a unique area with new housing developments, new shopping centers, and businesses looking to establish in this part of the district. Even though this area is continuing to develop, it still maintains the rural feel that makes South Mountain-Laveen unique in District 7.
“We are still lacking major retailers such as a mall, movie theaters, and a variety of restaurants, but soon this will change with the construction of the South Mountain 202 Freeway. The South Mountain 202 Freeway has been a long-awaited freeway for this community and will prove to be a key element in attracting new business and residential development.”
“Another major project is the Avenida Rio Salado project along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd (Broadway Road). The completion of this project will not only beautify this area but will also be a reliever for the South Mountain Freeway. The Broadway Road project has been under construction for a while and still has a couple of more years to go due to right-a-way issues, relocating businesses, power lines etc. We must monitor this project closely to ensure timely completion.”
“Lastly, public safety is always a concern and I remain focused on the need to hire more police officers. As of August 2015 the City of Phoenix has hired 88 new sworn officers. With the passage of Proposition 104, we’ll be able to hire an additional 125 officers this fiscal year, meaning we’ll be hiring more than 270 sworn positions this fiscal year 2014-2015.”
How can residents in the community work together to achieve a positive outcome regarding your answer to Question 1? What stake should residents have in this issue and improving/protecting their community?
“The South Mountain-Laveen communities have been the greatest advocates for the South Mountain 202 Freeway. Residents have been active in attending community meetings, calling their representatives and government agencies, all in an effort to advocate for the freeway. I am very proud of all the dedication and commitment and continue to encourage their watchful support.”
“We understand that once the freeway is built many of the restaurants, malls, a movie theater and many other businesses will be eager to come to South Mountain-Laveen area and residents should remain active in this entire process. I would encourage continued participation at the Village level all the way to council. In addition, every spring we as a city go through our budget process. This is an important time for residents to become involved and voice their needs during the community budget meetings.”
Although the South Mountain Freeway project is in legal limbo until the summer, most people and community leaders believe it will go forward as planned. As the project begins, how do you see it changing the landscape and character of the community?
“The construction of the freeway will begin this coming year 2016 and the community is very excited for the project to start. This area lacks in adequate infrastructure and this freeway will bring much needed relief to the residents. In addition, it is anticipated the freeway will attract more business and residents to the area both creating jobs and a greater sense of community. South Mountain-Laveen is unique and has an established character. This freeway will only enhance this area by creating more jobs, bring more businesses, housing etc. I am thrilled to see all the positive changes that this freeway will bring to South Mountain-Laveen area.”
Jeffrey Hale 
Jeffrey Hale, co-owner and founder of Phoenix-based Turf Realty, serving South Phoenix and Laveen. He is a 10-year resident of Laveen.
Ed. note: Please note the answers below are from a real estate perspective
As we begin 2016, what do you consider the most pressing issue facing the residents of the South Mountain-Laveen area and why do you consider that a priority?
“I don’t think that there is a major real estate problem facing the community, but a minor one that I am keeping my eye on is: Buying homes with little or no money down and not enough in reserves to pay the mortgage if someone loses a job, becomes ill, has an accident, etc. “
“It feels like we are still recovering from the mess of a few years ago where loans were given to anyone over 18 with a pulse. We then went through a period where it seemed like only those with cash could purchase a home. The market pendulum is swinging back to a point where anyone can buy, regardless of the size of their bank account.
“Many homes under $250,000 close with the seller paying for the buyer’s closing costs and government programs providing the down payment. I worry what will happen with these buyers if even a minor financial setback comes into their life: car breaks down, the economy falters, or they just fail to budget appropriately. Without any skin in the game, will they walk away from their mortgage? I know Dave Ramsey’s recommendation to only buy with 20 percent down on a 15-year loan won’t work for everyone, but if more buyers had the wherewithal to save a little more before buying, I’d feel a lot more comfortable. “
How can residents in the community work together to achieve a positive outcome regarding your answer to Question 1? What stake should residents have in this issue and improving/protecting their community?
“This is a tough issue for the community to tackle. I’m sure more church and community financial seminars to help the public understand and manage their money would help, but how do individuals say no to the ‘free’ money that lenders, banks, and even real estate professionals, like myself, present to them? “
Although the South Mountain Freeway project is in legal limbo until the summer, most people and community leaders believe it will go forward as planned. As the project begins, how do you see it changing the landscape and character of the community?
“I believe the legal limbo that was reported (regarding the South Mountain Freeway) was overstated. The freeway is on schedule and will be built as planned according to ADOT’s timeline. As the freeway comes in, we’ll see a wealth of new development: new retail, new restaurants, new offices, new houses, new jobs, etc. With all of this excitement, the City of Phoenix will be hard-pressed to keep up with the demand for improved roads, parks, police and fire, etc. I’m sure the growth will be painful, so it would be nice to see the city be proactive and begin widening some of the roads that are already headaches and will worsen if they aren’t addressed years before the freeway opens.”
