Group homes are an issue that I have heard about from constituents throughout
the district. The questions they ask include: Why are group homes allowed
in our residential neighborhoods? Can't the city stop group homes in our neighborhoods?
What can the neighborhoods do to stop all the group homes locating in the
community?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this complex issue. First
of all, what constitutes a group home? And who is responsible for group
homes? The answers to these two questions alone are very complicated.
Depending on the circumstances, the number of residents may vary. As
to who the responsible party is, the list is as long as you can imagine
- from federal, state, county and city governments to private companies,
social organizations and religious-based groups. And, different rules
can apply depending on whom or what group is responsible.
In March, I met with officials from the United States Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD). I wanted to learn whether the City of Phoenix
can "control" the proliferation of group homes in our neighborhoods.
What I discovered is that the biggest element of the group home issue is the
federal fair housing laws, which prevent discrimination in housing. In most
cases of group homes, the fair housing laws apply to "handicapped"
individuals, which is a protected class.
Our challenge is to determine how the City of Phoenix can stay in compliance
with the fair housing laws and still regulate the siting of group homes in
our neighborhoods.
I don't believe the issue is group homes in the neighborhoods per se; it
is more the saturation of group homes in neighborhoods. To that end, I am
working with Phoenix city staff members, HUD staff members and City Council
members from across the United States who have been working on similar issues
in their communities. This issue is not going to be resolved in the short
term, but we don't need to start from scratch if other communities have been
successful in working with group homes.
If you have a concern about the proliferation of group homes, I suggest
that you may want to call your State Representatives and Senators as well
(listed below). The State is the agency that enforces
fair housing laws in the state of Arizona, and we may ultimately need the
Legislature's support to address the issue.
Have a safe, enjoyable summer and, as always, if you have any questions,
comments or suggestions, feel free to call my office at 602-262-7446 or e-mail
me at cmattox@ci.phoenix.az.us.
Use permit required with zoning districts R-3, R-3A, R-4, A-1.
Special permit required with zoning districts RE-43, RE-24, RE-35, R1-18,
R1-14, R1-10, R1-8, R1-6, R-2.
Includes crisis nurseries and domestic violence shelters.
Must have State of Arizona license through Department of Health Services
or Department of Economic Security.
Required to have a Maricopa County Health Department permit for a boarding
house.
Group Homes for the Handicapped:
6-10 handicapped persons living together as a single housekeeping unit,
with staff persons providing 24-hour on-site care, training or support for
the residents.
Zoning required: RE-43 through R-5, PAD, C-1, C-2, C-3, RSC, or A-1 (with
a use permit).
Must register with Phoenix Planning Department and be a minimum of 1,320
feet away from another registered handicapped group home.
Does not include current illegal use or addiction to a controlled substance
(drugs or alcohol) or sex offenders.
Does not include nursing homes, personal care homes or homes for the developmentally
disabled.
Required to have State of Arizona license through Department of Health
Services or Department of Economic Security.
Last year in Phoenix, more than 37,000 accidents occurred on city streets
and 166 people were killed in traffic-related collisions. Additionally, Phoenix
police officers issued nearly 300,000 traffic violations last year, and 8,500
of those citations went to red-light runners.
To help reduce the number of accidents and deaths caused by red-light runners,
the City Council approved a photo red light enforcement program. Ten intersections
have been targeted for the program, which will be fully implemented this summer.
The following locations were identified as among the most dangerous intersections
in the city and will be equipped with red-light cameras:
51st Avenue and Indian School Road
27th Avenue and Indian School Road
35th Avenue and McDowell Road
12th Street and Indian School Road
16th Street and McDowell Road
32nd Street and McDowell Road
40th Street and Bell Road
40th Street and Cactus Road
Seventh Avenue and Greenway Parkway
35th and Dunlap avenue
Photo red light enforcement will begin with a media campaign and a warning
period to allow motorists to be fully informed of the program. However, after
the warning period has concluded, red-light runners will be cited. For more
information, call Councilman Mattox's office at 602-262-7446 or e-mail cmattox@ci.phoenix.az.us.
Councilman Mattox (back row, right) congratulates
residents from the Granada Neighborhood Association for earning the
Mayor's and District 5 Neighborhoods That Work awards. Other District
5 neighborhoods honored with Neighborhoods That Work awards include
Augusta Bulldogs Block Watch, Maryvale U.N.I.T.E. Neighborhood Association,
PRIDE, INC., Tomahawk Village Block Watch and Westwind Watchers Neighborhood
Association.
On March 13, voters overwhelmingly approved all 12 bond propositions that
will help improve the quality of life in Phoenix for years to come.
In District 5 specifically, residents can expect to see construction of:
The Maryvale Park Multi-generational Recreation Center, to be located
at 4420 N. 51st Ave.
A new library to replace the Palo Verde Library, to be located at the
new Maryvale Park Multi-generational Recreation Center.
Homestead Park, a neighborhood park that will be built on donated land
at 23rd and Glendale avenues.
A new fire station at 107th Avenue and Camelback Road.
A new, 8,000-square-foot multi-purpose senior center to be located
near 27th Avenue and Camelback Road.
Street improvements on 75th Avenue, from Van Buren Street to the I-10
Freeway.
Bethany Home Outflow Channel completion from Maryvale to the Agua Fria
River; a multi-use detention basin at 26th Avenue and Verde Lane; nearly
five miles of major storm sewers on 75th Avenue, from the Papago Freeway
to the Salt River; and wrought-iron fencing, landscaping, turf, and security
lighting for an existing detention basin located at 35th Avenue and Indian
School Road.
Other citywide improvements in the $753 million bond program include: police
substations in neighborhoods throughout Phoenix; a new crime lab; two new
patrol helicopters and a twin-engine helicopter to be shared by the Police
and Fire departments for emergency situations such as mountain rescues;
preservation of historic buildings; educational, youth and family cultural
facilities such as the Phoenix Family Museum, Valley Youth Theatre and Arizona
Science Center; state-of-the-art communication technology for the Police
and Fire departments; affordable housing for seniors; new and improved libraries;
and additional parks, open space and recreational facilities.
For more information on the bond program, call Councilman Mattox's office
at 602-262-7446 or e-mail cmattox@ci.phoenix.az.us.
"Westside Story" is posted on the city's Web site at www.phoenix.gov.
For alternative format/reasonable accommodations, call 602-262-7176 or TTY
602-534-5500.
Your comments, suggestions and story ideas are welcome by calling Councilman
Mattox at 602-262-7446, e-mail cmattox@ci.phoenix.az.us
or mail to City of Phoenix, 200 W. Washington St., 11th Floor, Phoenix, AZ
85003.
Message from Councilman Mattox 
