Councilman Greg Stanton's
North Central News Column
May 2006 Ike's Market and 16th Street Business Corridor Boosting the Community
Businesses and the community are working together in north central Phoenix to make our neighborhoods even better places. The exciting move of Bashas' Supermarkets to introduce a new kind of store to the corner of 16th Street and Bethany Home Road is a strong development, demonstrating the progress of business owners in that corridor.
As reported recently in the North Central News, Ike's Farmers' Market is scheduled to open in mid-July. It's the first-of-its kind for Bashas' – a store focused on produce, with the feel of an open-air market.
The new Ike's fills a key spot in the revitalization efforts for the 16th Street Corridor, occupying a vacant Bashas' that's been closed for two years. Mayor Gordon and I worked closely with Bashas' management and want to thank them for putting their faith in this spot for their new venture.
The store is another big step for the 16th Street Business Corridor – the group my office designated as a city "Fight Back" neighborhood last year. The area extends from Bethany Home Road to Glendale Avenue. As your councilman, I understand the critical need for small businesses to grow and thrive – and the progress on 16th Street is a great example of how we can help make that happen. More than 100 businesses are now part of the corridor. The group decides on its own how to spend the Fight Back grant to make the area even better.
Neighborhood Specialist Lisa Hubbard of the city's Neighborhood Services Department calls the Ike's Market an anchor for the corridor's efforts.
"It's really given the neighborhood a sense of renewal," said Hubbard. "Folks are excited that it's something new and it's what they asked for."
Ike's also will help the business corridor evolve to become a destination point for shoppers from inside and outside the neighborhood.
"Our goals as a group are to create a safe, desirable and aesthetically pleasing area for people to come and conduct their business," said Dr. Tammy Dorhout, owner of Absolute Care Chiropractic and one of the chairpeople for the 16th Street Business Corridor.
To start identifying priorities, the group took a night walk through the area with representatives from the city's Police, Neighborhood Services and Planning departments. It's called a "night safety audit" and the goal is to identify places for improvements like better lighting, landscaping and signage.
The organization generally meets on the third Tuesday each month. You can call Neighborhood Services at 602-266-7681 for more information.
With help from all of the businesses involved, 16th Street will become a great destination for people. And it's very exciting that the business owners themselves get to make the decisions that will lead to all of the improvements. Take advantage of this excellent business corridor that's so close by, for dining, shopping and so many great services. You'll be helping out your neighbors and our entire community. Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents north central Phoenix. If you have any questions about any issues, please feel free to call Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district6.
