15 minute read
City News
WHAT’S NEXT IN THE DEER VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD NEW BUSINESSES, CONSTRUCTION AND MORE
By Molly Cerreta Smith
THERE’S NO DOUBTING THE FACT THAT DEER VALLEY IS ON THE RISE. WITH SO MUCH HAPPENING IN THIS ONCE-SLEEPY LITTLE NEIGHBORHOOD, IT’S TRULY BECOMING MORE OF A BEST KEPT SECRET IN THE VALLEY EVERY DAY. And while some local residents may prefer to keep it as just that, a secret, the growth of new business and development is indicative of the fact that Deer Valley really is the next valley hot spot. Following is just a sampling of some of the new businesses and growth that define what’s next in the neighborhood: The addition of a new school is always a good sign of positive development in a community, and in the coming weeks, construction is set to begin on a new K-8 school to join the Deer Valley Unified School District. The school will be centrally located in the USAA Union Park at Norterra neighborhood at 19th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. At time of press, groundbreaking was pending design approval from the City of Phoenix. With an estimated 11-month timeframe for build-out, the school could be open and ready to serve students for the 2020-2021 school year. At completion, it will be able to accommodate 917 students within the 83,500 square foot facility which will feature an administration building, multipurpose building and two connected twostory buildings to house classrooms. The district may offer an optional partial Spanish-English Immersion program at this school upon opening. Another positive sign of healthy growth in a neighborhood is the addition of amenities and services. Deer Valley is home to a multitude of these that have recently opened or are set to open soon. A few examples include:
LYCHEE KITCHEN
Located at 23450 North 19th Avenue, Lychee Kitchen offers dine-in, take-out and delivery services of a variety of Chinese dishes and sushi offerings. Open daily, lunch specials and happy hour deals abound. Lunch specials on both sushi and plated offerings are available Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and include choices such as an eight-piece California Roll and two-piece Tuna Nigiri for just $7.95 or an eight-
piece Veggie Roll and eight-piece Boston Roll for $10.95. For dine-in, happy hour is available daily from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. to close, and includes specialty cocktails starting at $5.95, Domestic and Imported Beers for $2.55 and $3.15 respectively, and sake as well as a selection of specially priced appetizers. For more: www. lycheekitchen.com
EVO SWIM SCHOOL
A proposed new location of Evo Swim School is in the works in Deer Valley at 28211 N. North Valley Parkway. Evo prides itself on being an “evolutionary learn-to-swim facility” that offers complete resources to provide the best aquatic instruction for infants, children, pre-competitive swimmers and adults. Featuring entirely indoor state-of-the-art facilities designed with both student and parent in mind, the pool has “rim flow” gutters that allow supervisors and viewers to have an unobstructed view and “calm waters” during lessons. A viewing room encourages parents to multi-task as they oversee their child’s lesson with free Wi-Fi and a play area to keep siblings entertained while their brothers or sisters are in a lesson. With an entirely indoor facility, Evo can provide climate controlled lessons year round and protection from the Arizona summer’s heat and sun damage. The Deer Valley location will be the fourth location for Evo Swim School in the valley. For more: www.evoswim.com
NÉKTER JUICE BAR
Also coming soon to Deer Valley, Nékter Juice Bar is set to join the likes of Fry’s and Starbucks in the shopping center at North Valley Parkway and Dove Valley. The nation’s leading modern juice bar experience with more than 130 restaurants across the country, Nékter Juice Bar prides itself on being the champion of menu transparency and ingredient-integrity while offering guests a new way to experience wholesome and delicious nourishment through nutrient-rich Superfood smoothies, acai bowls, freshly made and coldpressed juices, detox cleanses and a healthy-yetindulgent, vegan frozen treat called Skoop that is dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free and void of refined sugars, artificial flavors and preservatives.
For more: www.nekterjuicebar.com
QUICK QUACK CAR WASH
This environmentally friendly speedy car wash service has a new location coming to 23rd Ave and Deer Valley. The company promises to deliver a quality car wash in just three minutes, without long wait times or hanging around in a lobby until the car is finished. Employing high-tech equipment for speed and customer safety, the company also offers a clean car guarantee. But their dedication to clean goes beyond customers’ cars. The company is committed to presenting clean locations, clean employees and a “green and clean” earthfriendly style — Quick Quack is a Certified Green Company. While the company has multiple locations, each facility has a distinct community presence and involvement. For example, Quick Quack offers three car wash fundraising formats for community teams, groups and organizations to raise funds through “A Day at the Car Wash,” items donated by Quick Quack for organizations’ raffles, auctions and door prizes, and through selling Quick Quack Wash Cards. Quick Quack payment options — including Quack’s Unlimited Member Club with Autopay and 30-day Pass options make the car wash process even quicker. For more: www.dontdrivedirty.com
PHOENIX APPROVES NEW PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE PROJECTS PHOENIX CITY COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE The planned projects were identified and prioritized PAVEMENT MAINTENANCE PLANS FOR FISCAL based on street condition assessment data, field evaluaYEARS 2021 THROUGH 2023. The plans include Trans- tions and public input. “The city held more than 75 pubportation 2050 and Arizona highway user revenue funded lic meetings across the city to gain extensive community pavement maintenance projects to improve street condi- input that helped the city prioritize which streets should tions throughout the city. be included in the pavement maintenance program,” said Councilwoman Debra Stark, who chairs the Aviation and The city’s pavement maintenance budget includes $90 mil- Transportation Subcommittee. “I am proud that this plan lion per year through fiscal year 2023, by which time nearly reflects the community’s input, as well as street condition 1,650 street miles will be treated. The City Council’s action assessments and field evaluations.” to advance funding to accelerate paving projects allows the city to significantly repair more of its most deteriorated To help the community stay informed and provide an streets and extend the lifespan of its aging street network. easy way to see progress, the Street Transportation Department launched a dashboard with near real-time “As long as we have cars and roads, we will have potholes. information about pavement maintenance projects However, with the approval of new pavement maintenance through 2023. The interactive dashboard allows users projects throughout the city, road improvements will happen to sort projects by type, location and status. To see the much faster,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “As the dashboard and for more information, visit Phoenix.gov/ fastest growing city, Phoenix needs safe roads and a strong Pavement. public transportation system to keep ahead of population growth and today’s vote ensures that we are planning not For more information about the Street Transportation just for current residents but for future Phoenicians as well.” Department, visit Phoenix.gov/Streets.
SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE SALES RAISED RECORD $11.2 MILLION IN FY 2019 FOR CHARITABLE CAUSES SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES million in the last Fiscal Year proves link for more information that outlines EACH HAVE A UNIQUE LOOK, Arizonans are both generous and which cause is supported by the sale BUT ONE THING THEY ALL HAVE eager to support great causes and of a particular plate. IN COMMON IS THE ABILITY organizations they believe in.” TO RAISE A RECORD AMOUNT Specialty plates are created by an OF MONEY FOR ARIZONA Customers who wish to select a plate act of the Arizona legislature and the CHARITABLE CAUSES. can go to servicearizona.com and once program, which began in 1989, is a selection is made may click on a administered by the MVD. In Fiscal Year 2019, which concluded June 30, a total of just over $11.2 million were raised for endeavors ranging from support of Arizona veterans’ programs, Special Olympics, organ donation, hunger relief, university scholarships and many other causes.
Monies raised have steadily grown for a number of years. In FY 2015, the total was just over $8.7 million, increasing to nearly $9.4 million in FY 2016. FY 2017 saw more than $9.8 million raised followed by $10.6 million in FY 2018.
“The specialty plate program is a real point of pride for Arizona and is a tremendous success,” said Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen. “Raising more than $11
Choose the way you learn with Primavera
TRADITIONAL SEMESTER COURSES
For grades 6–12 Take about six classes at a time Fall, winter, spring and summer breaks Classes start August 5 and January 6
ACCELERATED SIX-WEEK COURSES
Suggested grades: 11–12 Take two courses every six weeks For students needing to catch up on credits Enrolling every two weeks
Either way, you’ll receive the same quality, tuition-free education.
ENROLL NOW ChoosePrimavera.com
CITY NEWS STATE BUDGET PROVIDES FUNDING FOR FULL I-17 WIDENING PROJECT NORTH OF VALLEY
WITH PLANNED INTERSTATE 17 FLEX LANES BETWEEN BLACK CANYON CITY AND SUNSET POINT SET FOR CONSTRUCTION STARTING BY 2021, THE STATE BUDGET APPROVED BY STATE LAWMAKERS AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY PROVIDES THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING NEEDED TO ALSO COMPLETE WIDENING I-17 SOUTH OF WHERE THE FLEX SYSTEM WILL BE BUILT. This $130 million investment to complete new third lanes in both directions of I-17 between Anthem and Black Canyon City is one of many in the budget that will expand and preserve transportation infrastructure across Arizona. Appropriations from the State General Fund include $10 million for an ADOT study on adding lanes to Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson and $10.5 million for preserving state highways to extend the life of existing pavement.
“As Governor Ducey and members of the legislature recognize, investing in critical transportation infrastructure will drive Arizona’s 21st century economy. Our leaders are investing today to support Arizona’s future prosperity,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “As we expand critical commerce corridors and safeguard our state’s $22.6 billion investment in our transportation system, it’s equally important to keep roads in our rural communities safe and reliable.”
In addition to baseline funding for transportation and infrastructure, the budget includes more than $95 million in appropriations from the State General Fund for targeted transportation projects that will improve safety and spur economic development in Greater Arizona. This includes $28 million for expanding US 95 between Yuma and Yuma Proving Ground, that region’s largest employer. There is $20 million to help build two Interstate 40 interchanges needed to accommodate growth in Kingman, with the city providing the remainder of the funding required.
ADOT has been working to advance projects to improve traffic flow and safety along 23 miles of I-17 between Anthem and Sunset Point north of Phoenix. More than $190 million was already committed to building flex lanes north of Black Canyon City as well as adding 7 miles of a third southbound lane directly south of that project.
Investing an additional $130 million over three years will allow ADOT to complete all sections of new third lanes between Anthem and Black Canyon City. Combined with the flex lanes, this increased capacity will enhance safety and help address traffic flow challenges and backups that occur due to crashes and when many drivers are traveling to or from Arizona’s high country on summer weekends.
The Maricopa Association of Governments is providing $50 million in regional funds to help fund the widening of I-17 between Black Canyon City and Anthem.
The I-17 flex lanes will operate as a separate two-lane roadway carrying one direction of traffic at a time depending on the greatest need along the steep 8 miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. With gates at each end and separated by concrete barrier from the current southbound lanes, the flex lanes will be able to carry heavier northbound traffic on a Friday or southbound traffic on a Sunday. They also can keep traffic moving if there is a closure in that stretch.
Required environmental studies for the I-17 corridor are scheduled to be completed by this summer, with the projects scheduled for completion by 2023.
The budget commits $10 million from the State General Fund to an ADOT study, in collaboration with the Maricopa Association of Governments and Gila River Indian Community, on adding a lane in each direction and improving interchanges on I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande. Completing a design concept report and environmental study will determine needs and costs, and establish how the improvements will be phased. This process is on track to begin this year with an accelerated 18-month timeline.
The $51.1 million in funds, including $10.5 million in additional funding from the State General Fund, will allow ADOT to preserve the road surface along more miles of state highway through treatments known as fog seals and chip seals. These investments are critical to extend the life of existing pavement by sealing road surfaces against the ravages of weather, heavy use and time.
GOVERNOR DOUG DUCEY RECENTLY JOINED SURVIVORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, VICTIM ADVOCATES AND ARIZONA STATE SENATORS PAUL BOYER AND HEATHER CARTER FOR A CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF H.B. 2466. The bill, which passed unanimously in the Arizona State Legislature, strengthens protections for victims of child sexual abuse by extending the amount of time victims have to pursue civil action against perpetrators.
“We cannot overstate the pain and trauma suffered by victims of child sexual abuse,” said Governor Ducey. “We know victims need time to process and understand what happened. They deserve the time to come forward. With this bill, Arizona is taking a stand to hold abusers accountable and provide justice to victims of child sexual abuse. This reform did not come easily, but progress on the really important issues rarely ever does. I want to thank Senator Boyer for his dedication to the children of Arizona.”
H.B. 2466 extends the amount of time victims have to take civil action against perpetrators of child abuse from two years to 12 years, allowing victims to pursue justice up to the age of 30. The bill also allows victims who did not have the opportunity to take civil action for their abuse due to the previous two-year limit to bring a claim against their perpetrator until December 31, 2020. In addition, the bill allows civil action to be taken against an organization that knew or had notice of the sexual conduct. The bill’s provisions allow victims of child sexual abuse to seek justice and receive relief from a perpetrator.
Before signing the bill, Governor Ducey announced the establishment of the Justice for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Task Force. The task force will be dedicated to providing recommendations to the state for further reforms to ensure victims are entitled to safety, healing, justice and restitution. Members of the task force will consist of representatives from the law enforcement community, the Arizona House of Representatives, the Arizona Senate and advocates of victims of child sexual abuse.
Want to reduce YOUR screen )me for your NORTH VALLEY COMMUNITY THEATER kids and get some fresh air? Are you looking for fun
ac)vi)es to do all
Get Your Kids Outside!
year long right here Music and Lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus & in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog Want to reduce screen ti me for your kids and get some fresh air? Are you looking for fun acti viti es
Benny Andersson and some songs with Stig Anderson. Book by Catherine Johnson. Originally Conceived by Judy Craymer. Directed by Dan Ashlock MAMMA MIA! was originally produced in London by Judy for ar<cles highligh<ng fun Arizona adventures to do all year long right here in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog for arti cles highlighti ng fun Arizona
Craymer, Richard East associa Additional Materia and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlesta tion with Universal. l & Arrangements Martin Koch r in for the whole family! adventures for the whole family! Music Published by Universal Music Publishing Group and EMI
Grove Park Music Inc. and EMI Waterford Music Inc. *
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized by MTI. materials are also supplied BaBased sed o on n ththe Disney film written by Jennifer Lee a by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee e Disney film written by Jennifer Lee a by Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee n nd d DirectedDirected ladybugsblog.com PresenPresentedted ththrorou ughgh specia special l a arranrrangemengement t withwith MuMusic Thsic Theaeatre tre 1611 W Whispering Wind Dr Suite #9, Phoenix, AZ 85085 International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com ladybugsblog.com Dedicated to getti ng Arizona kids outdoors and excited about nature, science and the world outside.
info@StarlightCommunityTheater.com 623 -252-6815 www.StarlightCommunityTheater.com
Dedicated to ge+ng Arizona kids outdoors and excited about nature, science and the world outside.
