Community
Warner Rd
PHOENIX Rural Rd
Ray Rd
Gilbert Rd
Cooper Rd
87
GILBERT
McClintock Dr
TEMPE
V U
McQueen Rd
KYRENE SUBSTATION
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com. Alma School Rd
10 ¥
" )
August 3 – 16, 2013
“We have been successful in getting them to hold additional meetings for residents, and to remove some of the routes quicker than they first proposed. We will continue to work with SRP and our residents, and we will remain proactive through this process.” For more information on the project and SRP, visit azpower.org/ priceroadcorridor and srpnet.com.
Price Rd
Elliot Rd
Kyrene Rd
Chandler Blvd
V U 101
CHANDLER
V U
" )
Pecos Rd
202
KNOX SUBSTATION 10 ¥
Queen Creek Rd
PROJECT COMPONENTS
V U 87
Ocotillo Rd
Legend Interstate or State Highway
Existing Substation
Major Road
Phase 2½ Route Alternatives Undergrounded to avoid safety issues with Stellar Airpark Approximate RS-27 or RS-28 Siting Areas 0
0.5
1
1.5
202
Germann Rd
Single Circuit 230kV Schrader to RS-28 Double Circuit 230kV Knox to RS-27 to RS-28 Single Circuit 230kV Kyrene to Knox
" )
V U
RS-27 Gila River Indian Community
Railroad County Boundary
RS-28
Arizona Ave
home to schools, daycare/preschools, churches, a children’s art academy and a teen center,” the group wrote, adding that they estimate that around 2,500 children from the ages of 2 weeks and older are served by various businesses and institutions along the Germann route between Price Road and Arizona Avenue. “These children are the most vulnerable among us. As parents and citizens we are charged to protect those who cannot protect themselves, our children.” According to Sproul and the other residents, some children’s bedrooms may be as close as 30 feet away from the power lines. “Power lines of this magnitude are typically found in rural or open space areas, and very rarely placed in neighborhoods like ours, only when there are no other options,” they say. To discuss the issue with other concerned residents, Sproul organized a Town Hall meeting that took place on Thu., Aug. 1, at the church. Future meetings may also be planned to give area residents a chance to gather and talk about the situation. City of Chandler Councilmember Rick Heumann, who serves on the city’s behalf on SRP’s Public Process Committee, says the municipality’s goal has always been to encourage SRP to work with the Gila River Indian Community to have these lines placed on their land. “It is by far the best option for all,” he says. “If that is not possible, then the
city would prefer Hunt Highway over Germann Road. We have said many times that Germann Road does not make sense given the number of housing developments, schools and churches along that route.” Heumann says residents of the area should communicate directly with SRP’s management and its board of elected officials. Although the City Council cannot vote on the project, Heumann says he and the others are monitoring its progression closely and are pushing SRP to be responsive to residents’ needs. Priest Dr
SRP FROM PAGE 1
Dobson Rd
www.SanTanSun.com
SCHRADER " ) SUBSTATION Chandler Heights Rd
Riggs Rd
Gila River Indian Community
°
2
Miles
Hunt Hwy
Maricopa County Pinal County
MISS ARIZONA FROM PAGE 1
After trying Chinese acupuncture the symptoms decreased. “I feel very blessed for that,” Smestad says. “Many times you have ticks for the rest of your life and you can’t ever get rid of them.” Smestad occasionally has a “tune-up” when she is feeling stressed. “I’m into all natural stuff,” she says adding she doesn’t take prescription drugs to help control the symptoms. Growing up was hard. “Even in high school I would go and hide in the bathroom until my mom would pick me up,” she explains. “It was very hard. What I really like to tell people now is instead of hiding you let people know about it because it makes it so much easier. People will accept you for who are and that way you won’t have to be embarrassed and shy and try to hide from people like I did.” Smestad says she loves going to the support groups through the Arizona chapter of Tourette Syndrome Association. “That’s when families get together and sometimes they’re there for the first time, sometimes they’re regulars,” she says. “It’s just amazing to hear their story and give them hope.” She mentions it’s exciting to share the stories with those other families. “It’s comforting to know there are ways to deal with it and you’re not the only person.” Educating the public about Tourette Syndrome is also one of Smestad’s goals. “People don’t truly understand what it is.” She wants to bring awareness SEE MISS ARIZONA PAGE 8
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5
and Queen Creek Road