Nick Haney: District 1 Newsletter — July 2024

I hope everyone is having a safe and relaxing summer so far. As many of you know District One, our district, is the largest district geographically. I get the opportunity to not only represent the rapidly growing Northwest area of our district, but I also get to represent the southern neighborhoods that I grew up in, neighborhoods that my grandparents and many of my friends still call home. Each community and neighborhood are unique, and I treat them that way. Since taking office, I have tried to be accessible to both the southern and northern parts of our district. It is why I alternate my monthly community meetings from the northern part and southern part of our communities. It is why I choose to do them at schools and libraries located directly in the neighborhood, to make these meetings as accessible as possible.

The challenges facing residents in the northern parts of our city might be different compared to the challenges facing those in the south. However, I remain committed to facing those challenges, wherever they may be, with the same amount of time, energy, and commitment. If there is ever something you need from me, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. If you haven’t done so already, please attend one of my monthly community meetings. The goal of these meetings is to get you the most up-to-date information regarding the issues and current events directly impacting you and the neighborhoods in which you live. As many of you know, I grew up in this city, but the neighborhoods in District One are the ones that not only raised me, but they are the ones I chose to start a family of my own in. Whether you live up north or down south, whether you live in a gated community or in our rural areas, this Council seat belongs to you all, and I am honored to represent you and occupy this seat on your behalf.

JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

Becoming a Dad has been the greatest gift of my life and the most important title I’ve ever held. Although I was on shift at the firehouse for my first Father’s Day, my wife and our baby girl still were able to come down to the station so we could celebrate. I hope all of the fathers and father figures had a wonderful Father’s Day!

A Gourmet Fine Sandwiches Grand Opening

This month, I had the opportunity to welcome Adrian and Carmen Moisoiu to our wonderful city as we celebrated their new Surprise restaurant. Unique small businesses, like this one, not only give us a variety of unique food options, but they also drive others from neighboring cities to support our local businesses and enjoy some delicious food. Adrian told me that they get customers from all the way in the East Valley who make the trip to enjoy their delicious sandwiches. Come stop by, welcome them to the neighborhood and grab a delicious bite to eat! A Gourmet Fine Sandwiches | 13833 W. Bell Road Suite 102

Community Meeting

I want to thank everyone who was able to attend my recent community meeting at Asante Library. We had great discussions and City staff gave some important updates pertaining to public safety and economic development, as well as a legislative update. I want to say a special ‘thank you’ to developer Josh Simon of SimonCRE who talked about commercial development, not only at Prasada, but also in the northern part of Surprise. For those who were unable to attend, check out the presentation here!

Advocacy Update

The Second Regular Session of the 56th Legislature adjourned sine die on Saturday, June 15. There were 1,814 bills, resolutions and memorials that were introduced. Governor Hobbs signed 243 of them, excluding budget bills. Policy issues revolved around affordable housing, land use, housing supply, sober living homes, the budget deficit, water and abortion. Several bills were signed concerning administrative development processes, housing needs, assessment requirements and adaptive reuse. We were grateful for the veto of HB2570 (planning; home design; restrictions; prohibition) that would have circumvented General Plans that our residents develop, removed Planning & Zoning Commissions, eliminated lot size, setback and lot coverage requirements. The most impactful housing bills that were signed into law include HB2720 (accessory dwelling units; requirements) and HB2721 (middle housing).

HB2720 requires municipalities with a population of 75,000 or more to allow for the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADU) or casitas on any single-family residential lot. It allows for one attached and one detached ADU on single-family home lots; and on lots larger than 1 acre, another detached ADU is allowed. HB2721 requires cities and towns with a population of 75,000 or more to allow for the construction of middle housing types (townhomes, multiplex developments) on all lots zoned for single-family residential use within a mile of a city’s central business district and in at least 20% of any new developments 10 acres or more in size.

City staff continues to meet with partners on solutions to mitigate traffic in north Surprise. After applying for federal funding through the RAISE grant for design of a traffic interchange at Loop 303 and Litchfield Road, we received notification that our request was not funded. Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is conducting the US 60: Loop 303 to State Route 74 Corridor Study. The purpose of this study is to assess existing and future travel demands within the study area and develop a program of recommended improvements that can serve these demands, improve safety, enhance regional connectivity, and support the planned development in the surrounding area throughout the coming decades to the year 2050. The study area will include the US 60 corridor from Loop 303 to SR 74 and include the arterial system on both sides of the US 60.

The study started in February and is anticipated to be completed next summer. The MAG team is in the process of planning the first Public Open House in mid-August to inform the community about the study and collect comments on a variety of transportation issues.

The public open house will be advertised in late July through social media and postcards will be mailed to residents in the study area. Once the study website is complete, it will have an online interactive comment map for residents to provide comments and a place to sign up for future updates. The study will have four public events, including two in-person and two virtual.

Economic Development Updates

Construction at Asante Marketplace (Northwest corner of 163rd Ave. & Pat Tillman Blvd.):

• Along with Black Rock Coffee, a medical use and a smoothie place, two of the five suites on the Barclay Group Asante Marketplace website now include: a smoothie place, Academy Bank, and a Thai Chili restaurant!
• McDonald’s – New building in concept review. New sign application received 3/21/24.
• Noble Nails Spa – Tenant Improvement application 3/27/24, adding new ventilation system for the 16 additional manicure stations for the existing salon business.
• Taco Bell – Approved at the September 7 Planning & Zoning Meeting. Permits issued for construction April 4.
• Site Plan: Asante Marketplace site plan is available on the Barclay Group website at https://barclaygroup.com/project/asante-marketplace/

Construction at Asante Trails (South of the Southwest corner of 163rd Ave. & Pat Tillman Blvd.):

• Commercial Pads 6 & 1 – Full submittal by Simon CRE on 4/15/24. The entirety of the first phase is all of Lot 2. The first submittal accounts for Pad 6 (multi-tenant shops), access drives, off-site improvements and on-site infrastructure.

Sites Adjacent to Asante Trails:

• Mr. Shine Express Carwash – 163rd Avenue & Grand Avenue. Notice of decision and second review comments 1/9/24.
• 163rd Avenue Self Storage – Southeast corner of 163rd Avenue and 162nd Drive. Annexation and rezone requests. Notice of decision on 1/4/24 on the annexation. Notice of decision 1/8/24 on the rezone.

Traffic Signal Updates

• Deer Valley Rd. & Williams Rd. – The signal will energize on Tuesday, July 16. This new signal will activate at 4 a.m. Tuesday and flash red for 48 hours before beginning normal operation at 4 a.m. on Thursday, July 18. I ask that everyone is mindful of this traffic control change and treat the flashing red lights the same as a four-way intersection with stop signs. This signal installation and corresponding civil roadway improvements were led by developer Courtland Homes. I appreciate everyone’s patience during this process as I know this signal becoming activated was important to many of you.
• Bell Rd. & Bell Pointe Blvd. – Work continues on the installation of this traffic signal. Currently, the City is experiencing some longer than expected delays with APS and providing power to the signal. The City will continue to work with APS and push for the activation of the signal as fast as we can, but currently we do not have a scheduled day from APS. The construction does not include any major closures or restrictions; drivers can expect traffic control setups in the area throughout the construction of this project. Updates will be provided as construction comes to a close, and as we have the exact date of signal activation.
• 163rd Avenue & Happy Valley Road Traffic Signal – One concern I have repeatedly heard from you all is the need for a traffic signal at 163rd Avenue & Happy Valley Road. I told you that signal would be a priority for us, but I realize words are nothing without action behind them. I am happy to announce that we can move forward with this signal, almost a year ahead of schedule. I will have more concrete estimates in the future, but right now, I anticipate construction of this signal to begin at the end of the year at the very latest. This advanced timeline was made possible by our transportation team coordinating with the contractor and designer to advance the design of the signal and identify the materials needed for the completion of the project. Our transportation team then went to work procuring the materials with long lead times well in advance, and our project management team worked on acquiring the necessary right of way at each corner of the intersection.
• Deer Valley Rd. & US 60 (ADOT Serviced) – Led by developer Courtland Homes. The traffic signal was activated on the morning of 4/12/24. The developer is continuing to move forward with the second phase of this intersection improvements, which will bring dedicated right turn lanes, US 60 acceleration/deceleration lanes, among other improvements. Currently, we have not received any word from the developer or ADOT on when the second phase of the improvements will begin, but as soon as we are given that information, we will pass that along.
• Deer Valley Rd. & Williams Rd. – Led by developer Courtland Homes. Designs are approved and all underground work is complete. The civil roadway improvements required for this signal are now underway. Once those improvements are complete, the developer can place the signal poles and coordinate with the City on activation of the signal. We currently do not have a timeframe on how long the civil improvements will take, but the City is continuing to push the developer to have the signal completed as soon as possible and work is ongoing. Much like the signal at Bell Road and Bell Pointe, this signal is running into APS delays so the developer will be continuing to work through those to get the signal activated. Once more concrete dates are available, I will provide an update.

North Surprise Transportation Updates

I wanted to provide some additional clarification regarding the transportation updates concerning North Surprise. As you are aware, my priority is to keep you all informed with the most up-to-date information possible. I also understand that there can often be a lot of "rumors" or "speculation" surrounding our transportation challenges in North Surprise and the solutions we are pursuing. Rest assured, as soon as I receive updates, I will utilize my official channels to ensure that information is disseminated to all of you. This commitment to communication has been a priority since I took office.

It's important to note that if I provide an update on a particular advancement in a solution or offer additional information regarding an event impacting transportation, it does not mean that I am not currently addressing other important issues in our area. For instance, an update regarding a traffic signal or road improvement does not diminish my efforts to enhance access to our region. The implementation of short-term improvements does not detract from my pursuit of the long-term solutions our area requires.

Since assuming office, I have pledged to explore every available option and utilize all resources at my disposal to provide relief to our area. This commitment has not changed, and I will continue to work tirelessly for our District.

ADOT US 60 & Loop 303 Short-Term Improvements Project

The solicitation for this project closed on 6/7/2024 and received State Transportation Board recommendation of award on 6/21/2024. In the bid documents, the anticipated construction duration of the project is 120 working days. The contract could start work by mid-to-late July 2024. I will share any information with you that we receive as this project goes through the bidding process.

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. Striping was completed March 29, and both travel lanes are now open to the public. Additionally, both right turn lanes from US 60 onto 163rd Avenue from Grand Avenue to Pat Tillman Boulevard have been reopened. 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. Since the last update, the acquisition of the ROW needed to finish the third travel lane is moving along. The City is getting close to having 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 not only to 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 second and third lanes along 163rd from US 60 to Pat Tillman, 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).

Sun Valley Parkway & 219th Avenue / Sun Valley Parkway & 227thAvenue – 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.

CURRENT EVENTS

Summer Reading Program

It’s not too late to get signed up for the Summer Reading Program! Surprise Public Library System is excited to join more than 60 libraries across the county for Summer Reading. The theme of this year’s program is “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” reminding us that an adventure is just a library card away. The journey to read and earn prizes runs through August 1.

Library cardholders of all ages can register now for Summer Reading!

Searching for more? See details and prize tiers.

City Council Meetings

City Council does not hold City Council Work Sessions or Regular Meetings in July. Councilmember Community Meetings are also canceled for the month of July. Meetings will resume in August.

The next City Council Meetings are August 6 and 20 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the City of Surprise Facebook page or Cox channel 11.

Surprise Day of Service

Join us to assist with sorting bulk food items, creating food baskets and loading food into vehicles; helping in the process of providing food for families in need. Registration is required. For questions, please call 623.222.1647.

Wednesday, July 17, at 7:15 a.m., 9:45 a.m. or Noon

St. Mary’s Food Bank

13050 W. Elm St.

City Hall Art Gallery

The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. One of these is by visiting rotating art exhibits at City Hall.

Chuck Kyle Photography Exhibit | Runs through July 26

16000 N. Civic Center Plz. • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday

More arts and culture events and programs in Surprise can be found at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsCulture.

NEWS & UPDATES

Voting Information

Find important voting information, like where to vote and important dates to remember for the upcoming election! Ballots for the Primary Election started mailing July 3. In-person early voting began July 3 in the City Hall Community Room and will continue through Election Day, July 30.

Surprise 2040 General Plan

Residents will vote on the ratification of the Surprise 2040 General Plan during the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, July 30. If approved, the 2040 General Plan will serve as a roadmap for the City in the coming years. Overall, the plan acknowledges which places are experiencing growth pressure, which areas best support future growth and which areas need thoughtful reinvestment; each helping Surprise continually improve for residents now and in the future. Learn more and read the whole document at surpriseaz.gov/GeneralPlan2040.

Safe Speeds Saves Lives

Creating safer streets starts with addressing speed, which is the largest cause of injury and death in traffic collisions. The “Safe Speeds Save Lives” campaign is delivering high-visibility traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach towards speeding and aggressive driving on West Valley roadways. The enforcement mobilization is in effect through July 31, 2024.

Monsoon Season

Monsoon season is typically observed from June 15 - September 30, and Monsoon Awareness Week was proclaimed during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 18. Residents are encouraged to be prepared in the event of an emergency, as monsoon season typically brings thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, dust storms and flash floods. Check out our safety tips at surpriseaz.gov/Monsoon.

FY2025 Budget

Council approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Final Budget, maintaining its commitment to public safety, quality community services and transportation. For details, visit surpriseaz.gov/Budget.

2024 Library Card Design Winners

This year’s Library Card Design winners were announced during the last City Council meeting. The new cards will be available at all three Surprise Public Library System locations beginning this summer! To see the winning designs, visit surprisepubliclibrary.gov/LibraryCard.

SAVE THE DATE

Community Meeting

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, August 22, at 6 p.m.

Western Peaks Elementary School

18063 W. Surprise Farms Loop S.

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