The city of Phoenix's Office of Community and Economic Development has recently indicated its intent to recommend an award to a housing developer whose blueprints of a new complex are more than controversial.
The “empty” lot on Second Street north of Roosevelt Street is the location in question, and the developer has plans to restrict the proposed living complex to those who are 55 or older. This, in effect, will cut out younger people and those who make less than $36,000 a year.
Many members of the community as well as newspapers are speaking out against this proposition, proclaiming that the idea is ageist and goes against the ethos of an inclusive and eclectic downtown Phoenix.
Wayne Rainey, owner of the monOrchid Art Gallery and advocate for all things downtown Phoenix, has started a scathing petition, urging downtown residents to question the idea of an age-restricted apartment complex in an area that is so vibrant and ever-changing.
The idea of an age-restricted complex is an ageist idea in and of itself, and it is the antithesis of what downtown Phoenix represents.
What’s more, the apartment complex deters students from living downtown. In a market where the housing prices are beginning to creep up again and housing choices are already restricted for students (Taylor Place is far too expensive for a permanent living space, as is the over-priced Roosevelt Point), this apartment complex would take away from students as well as other people who want to live in the immediate area.
The downtown Phoenix area has a problem of extremes. There are a few apartment complexes for the retired community, as well as low-income living for those who cannot afford to live at places like Roosevelt Point. On the other side of the spectrum, we have a handful of extremely expensive living options like Orpheum Lofts (where purchasing a two-bedroom condominium can run up to $100,000, or more than $800 a month for rent).
We do not need another restricted housing complex, and we certainly do not need it to be on Second Street near Roosevelt Street.
Those who live in the area, as I do, will agree that downtown Phoenix has a problem with empty lots. Acres of unused land riddle the area as a result of stagnant business growth, as well as apprehensiveness to build in a place that is not as dense as New York City or Chicago. But is this lot in question really considered an “empty” lot?
Every month, food trucks park in the lot for First Friday, a centerpiece festival along Roosevelt Row. Chili cook-offs, pie socials and other culinary festivals are held there regularly. What’s more, performance art pieces occur there on a regular basis. So, is there really an urgent need to build on this specific lot?
Phoenix, you can do better. Don’t build an age-restricted complex in this area. If you really need to build one, I'm sure there are plenty of other unused lots that would be glad to have you.
Reach the columnist at dvalente@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @domjvalent
