Phoenix's Rio Salado Beyond the Banks Area Plan Sets High
Standards
Nov. 12, 2003
The Phoenix Rio Salado Beyond the Banks Area Plan is designed to protect
the community's investment in the Salt River by setting higher standards for
development beyond the banks of the river and promoting a greater mix of land
uses.
After two years of community input and advice from the Rio Salado Citizens
Advisory Committee, the city's planning staff will present the plan to the
City Council for approval on Nov. 19.
"The Beyond the Banks Area Plan examines the area's history and existing
characteristics and provides long-term strategies to maximize the economic
value of the area along with a quality living environment. With its close
proximity to downtown Phoenix, the Rio Salado Project (scheduled to open in
early 2005), Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the metropolitan freeway system,
this revitalization plan will make an important contribution to central city
sustainability and enhance the city's investment in the Rio Salado Project,"
said Dave Richert, planning department director.
The Rio Salado Beyond the Banks Area Plan will be a policy for future investment
and revitalization of the area. The Plan identifies six goals with objectives
and recommendations for each goal. The six goals are: land use, community
recreation, economic development, neighborhoods, accessibility and safety.
The Plan establishes 20 five-year action priorities to reach its objectives
and requires a major amendment to the General Plan.
The plan covers seven square miles including the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration
Project, 580-acres along five linear miles currently under construction. The
plan is bounded by Maricopa Freeway to the north, 19th Avenue to the west,
32nd Street to the east and Broadway Road to the south.
Some of the key components of the plan include the Del Rio Golf Course, Rio
Salado Scenic Drive, San Francisco Canal (an east/west recreational trail
system from 7th to 28th streets) and mixed-use developments including the
Audubon Nature Center in addition to numerous other special features.
New development surrounding the Beyond the Banks Area includes the HOPE VI
Revitalization Project, which will re-build the Matthew Henson public housing
units at 7th Avenue & Buckeye Road, Sky Harbor Centers and South Mountain
Community College expansion as well as several new housing and retail developments
along the Baseline Corridor.
For more information about Rio Salado Beyond the Banks, call 602-262-4065.
Media Contact:
| Cynthia Weaver |
602-262-6180 |
