This from the Historic Neighborhoods Coalition…
Will Phoenix Abandon Its Historic Neighborhoods?
Sources at City Hall indicate that the movement progresses to make the Historic Preservation Department a part of a larger department. An appropriate department combination would be Historic Preservation with Community and Economic Development. As a nationally recognized asset to Phoenix, our historic neighborhoods have proven their economic value with the Home Tours and the Historic Neighborhoods Map utilized by many in the community.
While the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) may no longer be able to be an independent Department, under no circumstances should it be combined with the new DSD/Planning. An attorney has said that his zoning attorney colleagues are basically “licking their chops” over this proposed combination.
Without a strong commitment to preservation on the part of the City Manager’s office and the Mayor and Council, the stability of the historic neighborhoods and the economic progress we have generated in the last decade will be lost.
Historic Preservation is good business, a proven Community and Economic Development driver, and should be recognized as such in any reorganization.
While there is still time, we are asking every neighbor to please send the above message by email or calling the following:
City Manager David Cavazos david.cavazos@phoenix.gov 602-262-7958
Deputy Manager David Krietor david.krietor@phoenix.gov 602-262-7957 or
His direct line for messages 602-262-6853
Executive Assistant to the City Manager Lisa Takata lisa.takata@phoenix.gov
602-262-6941
Mayor Phil Gordon mayor.gordon@phoenix.gov 602-262-7111
Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski council.district.7@phoenix.gov 602-262-7492
Councilwoman Thelda Williams council.district.1@phoenix.gov 602-262-7444
Councilwoman Peggy Neely council.district.2@phoenix.gov 602-262-7445
Councilman Bill Gates council.district3@phoenix.gov 602-262-7441
Councilman Tom Simplot council.district.4@phoenix.gov 602-262-7447
Councilman Claude Mattox council.district.5@phoenix.gov 602-262-7446
Councilman Sal DiCiccio council.district.6@phoenix.gov 602-262-7491
Councilman Michael Johnson council.district.8@phoenix.gov 602-262-7493
Immediate action is necessary to protect our historic neighborhoods.