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Nick Haney: District 1 Newsletter — September 2024
Posted
Surprise District 1 City Councilman Nick Haney
City of Surprise
By Nick Haney
Like many of you, I paused and reflected on the events of September 11. On that tragic September morning, when people were trapped and in desperate need of help, they called 9-1-1. Every time, the dispatcher reassured them, “We are coming for you.” It was a promise that so many brave firefighters, police officers and paramedics sacrificed their lives to keep as they rushed into those burning buildings while others were running out.
In the days that followed, when we learned about the evil behind the attacks, our brave men and women of the greatest military force this world has ever known, had just one thing to say to those responsible: “We are coming for you.” It was a promise so many of our brave soldiers sacrificed their lives to keep.
Let us never forget those we lost. Let us continue to remember them and be inspired to live a life worthy of their memory.
“No day shall erase you from the memory of time.”
CURRENT EVENTS
9-11 Memorial Stair Climb
My wife and I participated in the Arizona 100 Club’s 9-11 memorial stair climb as we honored all who we lost that tragic day. This event always has such a significance for me as I think of those firefighters who raced in, without hesitation, while everyone was racing out. Their bravery and commitment to service remains the bar that those of us who are in the fire service continue to strive to meet every single day. I was blessed to be able to participate alongside my wife and our little girl.
Surprise Employee Appreciation
Earlier this month, my family and I had the privilege of attending an employee appreciation event hosted by the City. We are blessed to have some of the very best City employees who have a heart for serving Surprise and all those who call it home. Each and every one of them plays a vital role in maintaining the fabric of our community and ensuring the well-being of all residents through their dedicated service and hard work. They are truly the unsung heroes of our city, and I am honored to have the chance to serve alongside them. It was great seeing everyone!
Recent Community Meeting
I want to thank everyone who took the time to join me at my recent community meeting at Western Peaks Elementary School. We came together as a community to discuss great topics, such as code enforcement and traffic concerns. I look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting.
NEWS & UPDATES
Meeting with MAG
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), in partnership with Surprise and Peoria, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and the Maricopa County Department of Transportation, is conducting the US 60 (Grand Avenue): Loop 303 to SR 74 Corridor Study that will focus on a comprehensive assessment of current and future travel demands in the area of US 60 (Grand Avenue) from Loop 303 to SR 74.
On August 14, I attended an open house that MAG hosted as part of the study. We continue to emphasize citizen input when discussing short- and long-term goals in our area. If you were unable to participate, I encourage you to visit the study webpage at azmag.gov/US60corridorstudy to sign up for email updates and post comments on the online interactive comment map. You can also email me with your comments and suggestions.
Prop 479
On November 5, Maricopa County voters will decide on Proposition 479 which proposes to extend the county's current half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation projects. Originally passed in 1985 as Proposition 300 and renewed in 2004 as Proposition 400, the current tax is set to expire at the end of 2025. Proposition 479 aims to continue the half-cent sales tax until 2045. As this is an issue exclusive to Maricopa County, only Maricopa County registered voters can vote on it and, if approved, all funds will be used solely for Maricopa County projects.
Proposition 479 is designed to maintain the existing half-cent sales tax without increasing the tax rate. The funds generated by this tax are allocated as follows: 40.5% to freeways and highways, 22.5% to local transportation infrastructure and arterial roads and 37% to public transit. Funding for freeways and highways will be directed towards maintenance, repairs and cleanup of infrastructure, as well as the administration of the Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan.
This Plan was unanimously approved by MAG’s Transportation Policy Committee and Regional Council. This means that elected officials from all cities and towns, Maricopa County, business leaders and tribal communities within Maricopa County have had input on determining transportation needs within their communities.
Surprise projects identified in Proposition 479 include, but are not limited to, a new traffic interchange at Loop 303 and Litchfield Road (The scoping for this project is scheduled to begin in late 2024); the ultimate interchange buildout at US 60 and Loop 303; improvements and possible grade separation of US 60 and 163rd Avenue; and an extension of El Mirage Road from Loop 303 to Jomax Road (The arterial road extension project design has just begun.)
Funds allocated to local transportation infrastructure and arterial roads will be used for major road projects, including road widening, intersection improvements and safety enhancements. The majority of the public transit allocation (28.9%) will support bus services, while 11.2% will be used for the maintenance of high-capacity transit systems.
The extension of the half-cent sales tax is expected to generate approximately $14.9 billion (in 2020 dollars) in revenue. This funding is intended to support the continued development and maintenance of Maricopa County's transportation network. It should be noted that revenue from this tax will not be used for light rail, commuter rail, streetcar or trolley extensions.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will implement the freeway program; local cities and towns will implement the arterial program; and Valley Metro, the City of Phoenix and other operators will implement the transit program. To learn more about Proposition 479, please visit azmag.gov/Prop479
North Surprise Transportation Updates
Increased Access for the Northwest Area
Recently, I shared an update about our efforts to increase access to communities in the northwest area of our city. As I mentioned, there are several long-term projects that are programmed into Proposition 479, which will go to Maricopa County voters in the November election.
Currently, I am working with City staff to aggressively pursue even more immediate solutions for emergency access points to our area. Staff is studying the feasibility of several improvements that could bring alternate routes to our northern area with a more expedited timeframe compared to the more long-term projects mentioned earlier. Staff is looking at all options fully within the City’s purview for speed of construction. At the most recent City Council work session, staff presented some options. You can watch the presentation here: https://surpriseaz.portal.civicclerk.com/event/4053/media (Presentation begins at 55:30)
I will provide you additional updates regarding this effort in the near future to keep you fully aware of our progress. Additionally, we will be seeking legislative options this upcoming session to bring additional funding for solutions to our area.
ADOT US 60 & Loop 303 Short-Term Improvements Project
In the July newsletter, I reported that work had begun on improvements off the Loop 303 and US 60 off-ramp. Earlier this month, there were few overnight closures to facilitate the improvements at the top of the ramp. As you may have noticed, work has begun to shift to the bottom of the ramp, which will hopefully help alleviate some of the backups we are seeing getting onto the off-ramp. As much as an inconvenience as these restrictions are, they are necessary to bring the improvements that will provide additional capacity to the off-ramp. Once the off-ramp improvements are completed, the contractor will move west and start the work closer to the 163rd Avenue intersection. We will continue to pass along all communications that come from ADOT on the project and upcoming traffic restrictions in an effort to keep you as informed as possible.
163rd Avenue Road Improvement Project Update
As you may remember, I committed to you that the City would take action on the roadways under our jurisdiction to provide residents much needed relief in the area. I wanted to provide you with an update regarding the 163rd Avenue widening project. The contractor has finished the reconstruction of the existing lane on 163rd, as well as construction of a new second northbound lane. The City expedited the construction of the second lane to improve traffic flow quickly, but must finish acquiring right-of-way (ROW) before building the third lane. The City is getting close to acquiring all the ROW it needs to start the construction of the third lane. I will continue to keep you informed and will continue to work alongside City staff to not only ensure completion of the third travel lane, but also move quickly in the next phases of improvements on the 163rd Avenue Corridor.
163rd Avenue Road Improvement Project Overview
The ultimate project buildout will include three lanes on the same stretch of road and a new traffic signal at 163rd Avenue & 162nd Drive, curb, gutter and sidewalk. While construction is ongoing for the third northbound lane along 163rd Avenue from US 60 to Pat Tillman Boulevard, the City will continue the designs and procure a contractor for the 163rd from Pat Tillman through Jomax Road improvements. Those improvements include widening 163rd to three lanes in both directions, drainage improvements, curb, gutter, sidewalk, streetlights and new signals at the intersections with Asante Boulevard, San Ysidro Road, Happy Valley Road and Desert Oasis Boulevard. Construction on the segment of 163rd Avenue from Pat Tillman to Jomax Road is anticipated to start in Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025).
176th Avenue Secondary Access Project
The paving of 176th Avenue from Dale Lane to Patton Road/Dynamite Boulevard is complete, and the striping has been installed. This project brings a much-needed paved secondary access roadway for the residents in the area of Dale Lane. Additionally, during major rain events it will provide the much needed second access point west of the major wash that intersects Dale Lane that sometimes experiences flooding.
Upcoming Traffic Restrictions
Dale Lane Construction – I wanted to share with you that the full construction and paving of Dale Lane from 171st Avenue to 175th Avenues, adjacent to the Tierra Rico development, has begun. This section of Dale Lane is closed through October 4. Detour routes are in place utilizing the newly constructed 176th Avenue.
Deer Valley Rd – We are working with the developer that is constructing the roadway improvements on Deer Valley Road at 172nd Avenue. These improvements will help to improve the safety of Deer Valley Road, but during construction will require some traffic restrictions. The City is working diligently with the developer to reduce the impact on our residents. As soon as we have all the information, I will be sure to share it.
Traffic Signal Updates
Planned Traffic Signals
The following are planned traffic signals along 163rd Avenue that will be constructed as part of the 163rd Avenue Improvement Project:
163rd Avenue & Asante Boulevard
163rd Avenue & Country Club/162nd Avenue
163rd Avenue & San Ysidro Road
163rd Avenue & Smoketree Drive
163rd Avenue & Desert Oasis Boulevard
Traffic Signal Construction Updates
163rd Avenue & Happy Valley Road Traffic Signal– Over the past year and a half, I have received numerous emails, phone calls and feedback during community meetings about the intersection of 163rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road. Each time we spoke, I assured you that your concerns were heard and that addressing this issue would be a top priority. I’m pleased to announce that the traffic signal at 163rd Avenue & Happy Valley Road is expected to be ACTIVATED by the second week of October. This is nearly a year ahead of the original timeline! I want to extend my gratitude to the dedicated staff and all those involved who worked diligently to expedite the activation of this signal for our community. Thank you to everyone who reached out and for your continued patience. I will keep you updated as we approach the activation date.Once all the signal equipment is installed and the signal is active, as part of the 163rd Avenue widening project, the intersection will be widened to its ultimate buildout. This will include three travel lanes in each direction and dedicated right and left turn lanes on 163rd Avenue, as well as additional travel lanes, dedicated left and right turn lanes on Happy Valley Road at the intersection coming onto 163rd at the intersection. The schedule for these improvements will occur with the 163rd Avenue widening project, so once the widening is completed from US 60 to Pat Tillman, this section will be in the next phase of construction.
Sun Valley Parkway & 219th Avenue / Sun Valley Parkway & 227th Avenue – The design process for these two signals recently kicked off and takes about six months. Construction for both signals is dependent on budget approval as well as thresholds of home occupancy being met. Updates will be provided as I get them.
Deer Valley Rd. & Williams Rd. – Completed on 7/25/2024.
Bell Rd. & Bell Pointe Blvd. – Completed on 7/23/2024.
Deer Valley Rd. & US 60 (ADOT Serviced) – Completed on 4/12/24.
Cell Tower Update
I have exciting news to share! One of the developers with projects in our area, Josh Simon, has offered to have a cell tower placed on one of his properties. This cell tower will be located on the northwest corner of 171st Avenue and Jomax Road. As the details are being finalized and closer to being completed, as always, I will be sure to inform you about any details that come my way. Once again, thank you Josh for allowing such a great accomplishment to occur.
I look forward to seeing you at my next Community Meeting to get your questions answered, share ideas and learn more about your city!
Thursday, September 19, at 6 p.m.
Asante Library
16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.
Upcoming Blood Drive
The City of Surprise is partnering with Vitalant Blood Donation to host several blood drives in September.
Community members wanting to participate are encouraged to make an appointment through the Vitalant website using Blood Drive Code p1T62. Although walk-ins are welcomed, those with an appointment will be given priority.
September 23 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.| Surprise City Hall (Community Room)
As a thank you for your willingness to help others through blood donation, Vitalant is providing a Halloween costume t-shirt through their Donor Rewards program while supplies last.
As a local non-profit, donations through Vitalant stay in the community to help our neighbors. Every day, an average of 5,500 blood donations are needed to meet patient needs. This is an excellent opportunity to transform your life and the lives of so many others!
Public Art Coming Soon
A Call to Artists
iHola! West Valley is now accepting applications from Arizona-based artists across various disciplines to create temporary, site-specific art projects in a variety of West Valley locations. This initiative aims to foster a deeper connection between our cities and residents. Interested artists can submit proposals by visiting westmarc.org/HOLA by the deadline of October 1, 2024.
Perfect Game Event Series
The City of Surprise is playing host to Perfect Game’s Southwest Labor Day Classic and Fall National Championships protected by G-Form this September at the Surprise Stadium Complex. These events are expected to bring in over 125 teams and 2,500 players from across the country.
Daily gate admission is $10 per person, or a tournament pass is available for $35 per person. Ages 14 and younger are free.All games will take place at the Surprise Stadium Complex, located at 15930 N. Bullard Ave.
For additional information about the Surprise Stadium Complex, contact the City of Surprise Sports & Tourism Department at 623.222.2222 or visit ExploreSurprise.com.
Neighborhood Grant Program Application
The Neighborhood Grant Program provides eligible neighborhoods with small grants to fund neighborhood events, functions or community improvements. An opportunity to encourage community engagement and further build strong relationships with Surprise's communities.
To be considered, projects must meet the following program criteria:
Provide a public benefit
Result in a product which benefits a neighborhood or the larger Surprise community
Be feasible for completion by June 2025
Involve the benefiting neighborhood in project identification, planning and execution
Emphasize neighborhood self-help; be educational or community-building
Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations are ineligible
Additionally, a minimum of five neighbors within the residential area must sign the application and support the idea; neighborhoods governed by a homeowner association (HOA) must have HOA approval, if required.
Interested communities should deliver the complete Neighborhood Grant Program application to City Hall, attention Jodi Tas, by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 11.
Surprise is rolling out a new Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program. Instead of offering collection events three times a year, a pilot program will allow residents to schedule collections monthly. The pilot program will run through November. During this pilot program, HHW collection will be split into two types and scheduled separately. One pick-up will occur for just electronic HHW, including TVs, computers and cell phones. Another pick-up will occur for all other HHW, including pool chemicals, pesticides and solvents.
Crews will schedule up to 50 collections for just electronic HHW materials per month on the first day of the collection week (Mondays) for residents north and south of Bell Road.
All other HHW materials will be collected Monday through Thursday, for one week per month, with two days reserved for residents south of Bell Road and two days reserved for residents north of Bell Road. Crews will be able to complete about 40 scheduled HHW collections per day.
Residents can request an appointment for collections using the My Surprise app or by calling customer service at 623.222.1920. All scheduling is based on availability and is first come, first served.
When calling, customer service representatives will inquire about what items are to be collected, discuss volume limitations and direct how items are to be packed.
On the date of your scheduled collection, all acceptable items must be placed outside on the driveway and up against the garage by 6 a.m. on the scheduled collection date. Properly packaged, sealed and labeled items will be picked up between 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. DO NOT place any hazardous waste on sidewalks or curbside.
Keep in mind this is not a bulk trash appointment. Residents can schedule bulk trash and appliance pickup services anytime throughout the year. See a full list of acceptable bulk trash items online at surpriseaz.gov/BulkTrash.
Arizona League of Cities and Towns Conference
I had the honor of attending the Arizona League of Cities and Towns conference and representing our city alongside our Surprise Youth Council. This conference allows elected officials to build relationships and strengthen partnerships that will enhance our ability to serve our communities across the state and to move forward in a positive direction.
Economic Development
Here are some new businesses coming to Asante Trails:
Join us on Saturday, October 5, from 5 - 9 p.m. for Surprise Fiesta Grande at Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Ave. This all-ages event celebrates the vibrant culture and traditions that have shaped our City with an evening of live music, food, entertainment and more! Families will experience authentic Mexican food, mariachi music, folklórico dancing, a car show, Lucha Libre wrestling, a petting zoo and pony rides, inflatables and other great attractions! For more details, check out surpriseaz.gov/FiestaGrande.
Spring Training
Major League Baseball, along with the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals, have released the 2025 Cactus League Spring Training schedule. Opening Day is Friday, February 21, with the Royals hosting the Rangers at Surprise Stadium, which recently ranked second in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards for “Best Spring Training Facility.”
2025 Spring Training ticket packages, including season tickets, mini-plans and group tickets will go on sale starting Tuesday, October 29, at 10 a.m. (AZ time). Each of these options offers savings over individual game ticket prices, first choice of the best available seating locations and exclusive access to pre-sale opportunities.
Individual game tickets for Spring Training at Surprise Stadium will go on sale online at SurpriseStadium.com on November 12,at 10 a.m. (AZ time). Information regarding game times and promotional events will be announced later. To be alerted to the most up-to-date ticket information – please go to ticket information form.
Also save the date for the 2025 Out of the Park Music Fest on March 22, after the Royals and Rangers game. Time, artists and more details to be released at a later time.
THANK YOU
Thank you for signing up to receive my council newsletters! I am honored to serve the residents of District 1 and am always available for questions, concerns or comments. My goal is to provide you with important City updates. If you haven't done so already, I would encourage you to follow our social media pages, subscribe to our text alerts and newsletters. I am available to speak with you at nick.haney@surpriseaz.gov or by calling 623.222.1321. Please follow me on Facebook and visit my webpage surpriseaz.gov/District1
