Shirley's Notes and News!
April 2011
Much has been happening lately in our area. Last week my staff and I toured the new softball four-plex that is under construction in Lincoln Park. It is coming along on-schedule and it should be a tremendous asset to our Park’s inventory. We anticipate many major tournaments being played on the soon-to-be eight softball fields in Lincoln Park.
I am pleased to report that Pima County has formally agreed to contribute $7.5 million in road bond funding for the widening of the next stretch of Houghton Road. This funding is combined with funding from the Regional Transportation Authority and the City of Tucson for the Houghton Road project. Construction of the RTA approved Houghton Road project, which stretches from Tanque Verde Road to Interstate 10 will be broken up into smaller segments. The funding approved by the county will cover the segment from Valencia to Irvington Roads and is anticipated to begin not sooner than July 2011, according to an agreement between the county and the RTA. Hopefully dirt will be flying on this segment by summer’s end.
Ward 4 has been selected as the recipient of Summer Youth Art Program through Pima Association of Governments (PAG). The Tucson Pima Arts Council (TPAC) will manage the project. The exact location for the placement of this art project has not yet been determined. Ward 4 staff will be working with representatives from TPAC, PAG, City of Tucson’s Transportation Department and students from Santa Rita and Palo Verde High Schools on this project.
Plan Tucson Meetings
There will be Phase I “Plan Tucson” Preparation Meetings on Wednesday April 27th from 4-5:30 pm at the Westside Police Service Center Multipurpose Room, 1310 W Miracle Mile and on Saturday April 30 from 10:00-11:30 AM at the El Pueblo Regional Center, Building 9 rooms A-B, 101 W. Irvington Road. These meetings are being called to get your input on how we create the State-mandated General Plan for Tucson. You are invited to learn more about “Plan Tucson” and share your thoughts on how the city should look, function and what it should offer. “Plan Tucson” will be the guide for decisions about our community for years to come. If you can’t make the meeting here in Ward IV, there are other meetings scheduled throughout the city. For more information, go to this link.
Cinderella's Closet Dropoff Site
Ward IV will be serving as a drop off location for gently used prom dresses, shoes, and accessories for Cinderella’s Closet. So far this year, Cinderella’s Closet has outfitted over 100 girls and has appointments for 30 more. If you have any prom dresses that could be used, consider donating them to Cinderella’s Closet and dropping them off here at the Ward IV Office.
ICS Eastside Location Open
We are pleased to let you know that the Interfaith Community Services (ICS) have opened an eastside location at 8701 East Old Spanish Trail. ICS helps Pima County individuals and families in financial crisis become more self-sufficient and stable. To see if you qualify for any of the programs they offer, give them a call at 520-731-3076. They are open Monday-Thursday from 10am-3pm.
Enduring Eyes
Pima Community College’s East Campus, 8181 East Irvington, will be presenting the “Enduring Eyes – a Remembrance of the Holocaust” Exhibit from May 9-13th in the Student Union Building. The FBI’s Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association (FBICAAA) will be hosting the FBI's Enduring Eyes Exhibit at a number of key locations across Tucson this Spring. The goal is to reach the young people of Tucson with an important message about the history of the Holocaust and the FBI's role in protecting our nation's civil rights. This exhibit is free to the public and will be available for viewing from 7am-9pm.
Erik Hite Fallen Officers Memorial Softball Tournament
Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Erik Hite Fallen Officers Memorial Softball Tournament, May 14 & 15 at Golf Links Sports Complex, (Golf Links & Craycroft). This event sponsored by the Erik Hite Foundation, raises money for TPD officers and their families. They are looking for teams and sponsors for this event. IF you are interested in playing or sponsoring, please call Detective Bill Nutt at 520-370-2446.
Ward 4 Small Business Forum
Another important event that Ward IV will be sponsoring is a Small Business Forum on Thursday, May 19th at Pima Community College, East Campus’ Community Room from 11am –1pm. Topics will include “Business IN the City of Tucson” “Business WITH the City of Tucson” “ACCESS to Business Capital and Employer Services” and Informal Q & A with City Directors”. This forum is free to the public, but reservations are required. Please contact Lannie Patel in the Ward 4 Office if you are interested. Lannie.patel@tucsonaz.gov or call 520-791-3199.
UPCOMING MEETINGS OF INTEREST
April 20 – Mayor & Council Chambers, 255 W. Alameda, 5:30 pm
April 18 – Carson Middle School, 7777 East Stella Road, 6 pm Public Meeting by TUSD on the closure of Carson Middle School
May 3 - Mayor & Council Chambers, 255 W. Alameda, 5:30 pm Public Hearing on the Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2012
May 24 - Mayor & Council Chambers, 255 W. Alameda, 5:30 pm Truth in Taxation Public Hearing on Primary Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2012, Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2012 Budget as Tentatively Adopted. Public Hearing on Increase in Water Rates
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Ward 4 City Council Office at 520-791-3199.
