Partnership Powers New Metro Upgrade

Metrocenter Mall sits vacant and boarded up while plans for the 68-acre redevelopment continue (photo by Kathryn M. Miller).

On July 17, the Metro District Community Collaboration held a crucial community meeting. Coordinated by Gordon C. James Public Relations, the meeting brought neighbors, business owners, and other stakeholders together. Discussions covered redevelopment plans, police activity, and Transit Oriented Community planning efforts for the Northwest Extension Phase II. The concerned district spans from Dunlap Avenue to Peoria Avenue, and from I-17 to 31st Avenue.

Jeff Stapleton, the city’s project manager from the Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department, shared updates on the Metrocenter redevelopment. The area, still unnamed, will be fenced off this summer. Demolition is slated to start later in 2024 and may take nearly a year to complete.

Phoenix Police Department (PPD) Officer Adrian Diaz reported on June’s calls for service in the district. The calls rose from 262 in June 2023 to 284 in June 2024. Diaz explained that this 8.4% increase shows positive engagement from businesses and residents with their “See something, say something,” campaign. The majority of the calls were for trespassing.

PPD Lt. Mark Schweikert, representing the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association (PPSLA), made an important announcement. PPSLA will host their popular Superhero Saturday event in the Metro District next year. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for January 18, 2025, for this significant community event. Further details are available at www.superherosaturday.org.

For those who missed the first round of the Northwest Extension Phase II Transit Oriented Community planning workshops, there is still an opportunity to contribute. The Planning Department has an online survey available through August, offering an explanation of the project at www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/pages/northwestextensionii.aspx. Additional community workshops are expected this fall.

Stay updated on Metro District Community Collaboration news by signing up for their monthly newsletter at www.metrodistrictcollaboration.com.