Perhaps you're wondering why I haven't posted lately, especially given all the comment-worthy past activity and bold plans for the near future. Well, please rest assured that I've got some great news on the way (both personal and public, for that matter), and I will have an update soon.
For now, I've been shifting the focus back to my other much-neglected blog about western development and opinions on economic news. If you enjoy discussions about the big picture, and what it might mean to us in the near future, then I recommend that you check it out. Please just click or paste the following link into your browser: http://westerndevelopment.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
My last post
A couple of clarifications regarding my most recent rant:
1. I did not intend for my views about the current real estate market or our recent developments to be construed as anti-development. If you know me or have read past posts on this blog, then you will know that real estate development is my passion and I enjoy working with our local retail developers on behalf of LAHOA. I am rather opinionated about this subject, however, and I'm passionate about responsible and high-quality development (as with other businesses and general contributions to society).
While no one called me out on this, I picked up a little bit of a negative vibe as I re-read the post, in response to a friend's comment about something else. Remember, these entries are written hastily--usually during my work day--and quality is not guaranteed.
2. This is not a prelude to a bid for political office. As mentioned previously, a friend's comment made me want to re-read my post--he thought I was establishing myself as a candidate for office. But I love my current industry (hotel development) and hope that the market allows me to keep working productively in it. This blog is my hobby and my outlet to vent about my community involvement. In order to take on any formal leadership position in this community, I would have to cut down on my travel, start attending more of our community meetings, and become far more accountable for my ideas and suggestions than I am now. But alas, I lack the time and patience; and my pragmatic side still prioritizes a paycheck over civil servitude.
1. I did not intend for my views about the current real estate market or our recent developments to be construed as anti-development. If you know me or have read past posts on this blog, then you will know that real estate development is my passion and I enjoy working with our local retail developers on behalf of LAHOA. I am rather opinionated about this subject, however, and I'm passionate about responsible and high-quality development (as with other businesses and general contributions to society).
While no one called me out on this, I picked up a little bit of a negative vibe as I re-read the post, in response to a friend's comment about something else. Remember, these entries are written hastily--usually during my work day--and quality is not guaranteed.
2. This is not a prelude to a bid for political office. As mentioned previously, a friend's comment made me want to re-read my post--he thought I was establishing myself as a candidate for office. But I love my current industry (hotel development) and hope that the market allows me to keep working productively in it. This blog is my hobby and my outlet to vent about my community involvement. In order to take on any formal leadership position in this community, I would have to cut down on my travel, start attending more of our community meetings, and become far more accountable for my ideas and suggestions than I am now. But alas, I lack the time and patience; and my pragmatic side still prioritizes a paycheck over civil servitude.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Village Concept
Phoenix once gave a lot of lip service to the idea of promoting an urban village approach to the development of different areas of this sprawling city -- probably influenced by the likes of Portland and other major population centers that have successfully relied on balancing individual neighborhoods' self preservation/enhancement goals with the need for controlled growth. This, after all, was the reason behind our creation of Laveen Village; and it has ostensibly guided our general plan's creation and execution.
In theory, this is all very good. It gives Laveen the ability to strengthen its most prized rural/industrial characteristics by forcing the inevitable new developments to blend in with the existing community. This also helps to support the basis for several of our community organizations, such as the Laveen Community Council, LCRD, and LAHOA. But again, this is all still only in theory, and those community organizations have been threatened recently to modify their purposes....
When I moved to Laveen a few years ago, it was to embrace what I thought Laveen stood for and what I felt was being chased out of the now heavily urbanized Tempe and other nearby areas. It's that old school Arizona respect for an independent and somewhat agrarian lifestyle -- like when I was younger and got to watch the sheep being moved from one plot of land near my house to another nearby, or scavenged pecans and oranges from the nearby orchards and played in the open fields (all in Tempe, by the way). I had one friend in high school who lived here in Laveen, and we affectionately joked that he lived out in the boondocks; while at the same time observing the rapid disappearance of the boondocks from our own landscape.
Then, as Catherine and I shopped here for our first home a few years ago, I remember smiling at the site of hand-painted "Goats/Chivas for Sale" signs, "Fresh Eggs for Sale," and the periodic stray livestock or slow-moving tractors that created Laveen's only traffic jams at the time. "This is it!" I thought, and it's so close to South Mountain, the airport, downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale (Catherine's parents lived there), and everywhere else I need to be besides home. As we moved in amongst the flood of other new subdivision dwellers, however, I saw that this area too was being threatened by haphazard urbanization and abandonment of a cultural legacy. And if you scroll through some of my past posts on this blog, you will see that I reacted by jumping in headfirst to the "Preserve Laveen Village" campaign to oppose higher density rezoning. If we allowed intensification in other areas of our village, then how could we maintain the assumption of a yet-to-be-constructed village core? And how would we actively preserve the existence of our beloved mom-and-pop farm businesses while simultaneously preserving their rights to cash in on their property values like the rest of us?
This especially hit home a few months ago, when I approached the owners of a prize-winning dairy cow at the AZ State Fair to find out where in Laveen they called home -- 27th Ave and Dobbins, by the way. But just as I thought I was about to find a local dairy where I could buy fresh milk, they crushed my dreams by reminding me that there was none, at least not any longer. The problem, as they very obviously stated, is that the land here was too valuable for its development potential, and so the farmers couldn't help but to gradually sell it off. My utopian dreams were crushed momentarily because, at the same time, I noticed that I could no longer locate the home of the fresh eggs, and my chances of finding truly local food were falling apart along with that elusive agrarian lifestyle.
But I thought that the village concept would protect us from this type of degradation! What about all those old-timers who should be concerned about preserving their customs, and could thus keep Laveen rooted in its legacy as a farming community? Did they all give up and sell out? But what happens when they can no longer ride their horses in peace because of the increased traffic? What about the rising noise pollution, litter, and fading nighttime views of the Milky Way? How about maintaining familiarity with one's neighbors? Surely, we wouldn't all be so complicit in eroding these charming features of our community.
But in defense of our community and its longtime residents, I can proudly point out that our/their laziness hasn't been the cause of all this conflict between old and new. Rather, it's been the continued failure of the City of Phoenix to respect its urban village concept and the fact that we tend to know what we're doing when we express concern about the development of our community. We're preserving what we the residents want, even if it doesn't necessarily jive with the hopes of a speculative land developer recognizing a potential opportunity. The unfortunate fact is that part of that opportunity lies in the expectation that our city government is completely spineless when it comes to preserving our general plan, and our staff/council have repeatedly acted against the residents of our village. Whenever we call their lack of support into question, we're essentially reminded that we need to take one for the team. This is uninspiring to say the least.....
But behold, the times they are a-changing. With such a disastrous real estate and development market right now, we won't likely see many more rezoning requests in the near future. So, for better or for worse, at least we can hang onto what's left of Laveen's general plan and expect that it remain intact for the time being. In effect, we can now take back our village because the real estate market doesn't appear to want it anymore.
I'm not just trying to make the best out of a bad situation or look at the silver lining. Instead, I want everyone else to see what a real opportunity this market has created for Laveen, even if it means that we must think outside of the box. That box, by the way, has somehow always packaged real estate as the only possible opportunity, which is a sad outlook for those of us who still respect a more industrious ethic to pure speculation. Real estate will still be there -- just relegated to its rightful place as a longer term type of business strategy. But we need action now, and we're all capable of helping.
Here are a few ideas for how we can do this together but individually:
First, get involved. Pay attention to your community and become concerned about it. After all, most Laveen residents are homeowners who won't likely move anytime soon due to the housing market's woes. So since you're here, make the best of it.
Second, go out and enjoy your life, close to home. Use the hiking trails, bike paths, parks, library, golf courses, etc. Go to the upcoming BBQ and other local events. I just checked the latest BLS data, and it says you have some extra time anyhow. So use it to rediscover your humanity, for heavens sake. I bet you'll be surprised to find something new if you try.
Third, shop here. I don't care if you hate Wal-Mart -- me too. So I'm not suggesting that you opt to support an international chain just because it has an outpost here. But please do forgo that convenient stop near the office if the same option is available near home. Now that we have these businesses, it's important that we keep them here. The alternative is an abandoned shopping center covered with graffiti and other vandalism.
Fourth, let's get the plows back in the ground, dairy farms working harder, and everyone else with a marketable skill into their own home-grown businesses wherever appropriate. The first three steps here were remarkably simple, so I expect a little support for my idealism on this one. If we all work together and follow our goals, we can make it happen. It'll just take some time and cooperative support.
Fifth, we need a plan. While planning usually comes first, it helps if we have the right mindset and behaviors in place as we begin the planning process and move toward execution. Remember how I pointed out that we can enjoy a little reprieve from rezoning battles and other such outside influences? Well, now we can put it to good use by strategizing and justifying our desire to maintain our cultural heritage as a community. It will make things easier in the future and preserve Laveen's "brand" image and character; not to mention I'm one of those sentimental types who believe in posterity, and I expect the same from others.
Now, let's do something positive for our future!
In theory, this is all very good. It gives Laveen the ability to strengthen its most prized rural/industrial characteristics by forcing the inevitable new developments to blend in with the existing community. This also helps to support the basis for several of our community organizations, such as the Laveen Community Council, LCRD, and LAHOA. But again, this is all still only in theory, and those community organizations have been threatened recently to modify their purposes....
When I moved to Laveen a few years ago, it was to embrace what I thought Laveen stood for and what I felt was being chased out of the now heavily urbanized Tempe and other nearby areas. It's that old school Arizona respect for an independent and somewhat agrarian lifestyle -- like when I was younger and got to watch the sheep being moved from one plot of land near my house to another nearby, or scavenged pecans and oranges from the nearby orchards and played in the open fields (all in Tempe, by the way). I had one friend in high school who lived here in Laveen, and we affectionately joked that he lived out in the boondocks; while at the same time observing the rapid disappearance of the boondocks from our own landscape.
Then, as Catherine and I shopped here for our first home a few years ago, I remember smiling at the site of hand-painted "Goats/Chivas for Sale" signs, "Fresh Eggs for Sale," and the periodic stray livestock or slow-moving tractors that created Laveen's only traffic jams at the time. "This is it!" I thought, and it's so close to South Mountain, the airport, downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale (Catherine's parents lived there), and everywhere else I need to be besides home. As we moved in amongst the flood of other new subdivision dwellers, however, I saw that this area too was being threatened by haphazard urbanization and abandonment of a cultural legacy. And if you scroll through some of my past posts on this blog, you will see that I reacted by jumping in headfirst to the "Preserve Laveen Village" campaign to oppose higher density rezoning. If we allowed intensification in other areas of our village, then how could we maintain the assumption of a yet-to-be-constructed village core? And how would we actively preserve the existence of our beloved mom-and-pop farm businesses while simultaneously preserving their rights to cash in on their property values like the rest of us?
This especially hit home a few months ago, when I approached the owners of a prize-winning dairy cow at the AZ State Fair to find out where in Laveen they called home -- 27th Ave and Dobbins, by the way. But just as I thought I was about to find a local dairy where I could buy fresh milk, they crushed my dreams by reminding me that there was none, at least not any longer. The problem, as they very obviously stated, is that the land here was too valuable for its development potential, and so the farmers couldn't help but to gradually sell it off. My utopian dreams were crushed momentarily because, at the same time, I noticed that I could no longer locate the home of the fresh eggs, and my chances of finding truly local food were falling apart along with that elusive agrarian lifestyle.
But I thought that the village concept would protect us from this type of degradation! What about all those old-timers who should be concerned about preserving their customs, and could thus keep Laveen rooted in its legacy as a farming community? Did they all give up and sell out? But what happens when they can no longer ride their horses in peace because of the increased traffic? What about the rising noise pollution, litter, and fading nighttime views of the Milky Way? How about maintaining familiarity with one's neighbors? Surely, we wouldn't all be so complicit in eroding these charming features of our community.
But in defense of our community and its longtime residents, I can proudly point out that our/their laziness hasn't been the cause of all this conflict between old and new. Rather, it's been the continued failure of the City of Phoenix to respect its urban village concept and the fact that we tend to know what we're doing when we express concern about the development of our community. We're preserving what we the residents want, even if it doesn't necessarily jive with the hopes of a speculative land developer recognizing a potential opportunity. The unfortunate fact is that part of that opportunity lies in the expectation that our city government is completely spineless when it comes to preserving our general plan, and our staff/council have repeatedly acted against the residents of our village. Whenever we call their lack of support into question, we're essentially reminded that we need to take one for the team. This is uninspiring to say the least.....
But behold, the times they are a-changing. With such a disastrous real estate and development market right now, we won't likely see many more rezoning requests in the near future. So, for better or for worse, at least we can hang onto what's left of Laveen's general plan and expect that it remain intact for the time being. In effect, we can now take back our village because the real estate market doesn't appear to want it anymore.
I'm not just trying to make the best out of a bad situation or look at the silver lining. Instead, I want everyone else to see what a real opportunity this market has created for Laveen, even if it means that we must think outside of the box. That box, by the way, has somehow always packaged real estate as the only possible opportunity, which is a sad outlook for those of us who still respect a more industrious ethic to pure speculation. Real estate will still be there -- just relegated to its rightful place as a longer term type of business strategy. But we need action now, and we're all capable of helping.
Here are a few ideas for how we can do this together but individually:
First, get involved. Pay attention to your community and become concerned about it. After all, most Laveen residents are homeowners who won't likely move anytime soon due to the housing market's woes. So since you're here, make the best of it.
Second, go out and enjoy your life, close to home. Use the hiking trails, bike paths, parks, library, golf courses, etc. Go to the upcoming BBQ and other local events. I just checked the latest BLS data, and it says you have some extra time anyhow. So use it to rediscover your humanity, for heavens sake. I bet you'll be surprised to find something new if you try.
Third, shop here. I don't care if you hate Wal-Mart -- me too. So I'm not suggesting that you opt to support an international chain just because it has an outpost here. But please do forgo that convenient stop near the office if the same option is available near home. Now that we have these businesses, it's important that we keep them here. The alternative is an abandoned shopping center covered with graffiti and other vandalism.
Fourth, let's get the plows back in the ground, dairy farms working harder, and everyone else with a marketable skill into their own home-grown businesses wherever appropriate. The first three steps here were remarkably simple, so I expect a little support for my idealism on this one. If we all work together and follow our goals, we can make it happen. It'll just take some time and cooperative support.
Fifth, we need a plan. While planning usually comes first, it helps if we have the right mindset and behaviors in place as we begin the planning process and move toward execution. Remember how I pointed out that we can enjoy a little reprieve from rezoning battles and other such outside influences? Well, now we can put it to good use by strategizing and justifying our desire to maintain our cultural heritage as a community. It will make things easier in the future and preserve Laveen's "brand" image and character; not to mention I'm one of those sentimental types who believe in posterity, and I expect the same from others.
Now, let's do something positive for our future!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Local Businesses in Laveen?
YES, PLEASE! Now is the time for Laveen to go after local businesses, given the increasing retail vacancy rate and the ever-present demand for local options still lacking here. Anyone who has heard me rant about the state of retail in Laveen knows that I'm also working to do something about this -- even if it seems discouraging at times. As discussed on my other blog entry, "Time for Local Businesses Is Now," the LAHOA Retail Committee is trying to work with the Laveen/SoMo Chamber and local retail developers to encourage local business growth. This means we need to help people navigate the whole process of starting a new business, including their SBA loan applications and their lease for shop space. As I've always believed; with work, we will succeed (eventually). Please read my other blog and tell me what you think.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Spring Training in Laveen
As many people are aware, our friends in Tucson currently face a dire situation with regard to Spring Training. The White Sox have finalized their escape from the market, and now the remaining two teams, the D-Backs and Rockies, have expressed an interest in seeking greener pastures as well. They can freely leave, as per their contracts, as long as Tucson does not remain home to at least three separate teams - and now there are two.
The bright side to this story is that the teams are not looking outside of Arizona. Furthermore, they are even considering Laveen (as well as Scottsdale, Gila River Indian Reservation, and Casa Grande, among others). And not only are these two remaining Tucson teams possibly slated to relocate here, we are also courting teams from Florida! After all, why scuffle for a piece of the pie, when we can make the whole thing bigger and earn our share.
According to unidentified sources, Scottsdale and Casa Grande's public bids for the Diamondbacks are not likely to be successful. There is nothing yet to report about the Rockies, except that Laveen/Phoenix representatives have already approached them. And then there are rumors about bringing in a team known for its home run hitters from an east coast borough - but I can't say at this time who it is.
In any case, the outlook is bright for our ability to bring in some springtime entertainment. On our side, we have the city of Phoenix, ADOT (remember that freeway?), plenty of influential developers, and a great geographic location. Let's go for the home run!
The bright side to this story is that the teams are not looking outside of Arizona. Furthermore, they are even considering Laveen (as well as Scottsdale, Gila River Indian Reservation, and Casa Grande, among others). And not only are these two remaining Tucson teams possibly slated to relocate here, we are also courting teams from Florida! After all, why scuffle for a piece of the pie, when we can make the whole thing bigger and earn our share.
According to unidentified sources, Scottsdale and Casa Grande's public bids for the Diamondbacks are not likely to be successful. There is nothing yet to report about the Rockies, except that Laveen/Phoenix representatives have already approached them. And then there are rumors about bringing in a team known for its home run hitters from an east coast borough - but I can't say at this time who it is.
In any case, the outlook is bright for our ability to bring in some springtime entertainment. On our side, we have the city of Phoenix, ADOT (remember that freeway?), plenty of influential developers, and a great geographic location. Let's go for the home run!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Courting Desirable Retailers for Laveen
I don't think I shared this on my blog, but LA Fitness has committed to moving in at the Southwest corner of 51st Avenue and Baseline. This, in my opinion, is a wonderful convenience since Catherine and I always use the one at the Biltmore or in Tempe.
And I'm not only excited about having a place to work out nearby, but also all of the other retailers that would move in next to a national gym. Think about how much better a Hi-Health or GNC would perform next to one. Or how about a healthy fast food restaurant.......
Well, along those lines, I've been following up on the rumors of a Chipotle near Safeway. After sending an initial inquiry, I was contacted by Chipotle's representative (with the good name Patrick), who assured me that his real estate people would consider the location even though they hadn't yet thought about it. Here is my most recent response:
And I'm not only excited about having a place to work out nearby, but also all of the other retailers that would move in next to a national gym. Think about how much better a Hi-Health or GNC would perform next to one. Or how about a healthy fast food restaurant.......
Well, along those lines, I've been following up on the rumors of a Chipotle near Safeway. After sending an initial inquiry, I was contacted by Chipotle's representative (with the good name Patrick), who assured me that his real estate people would consider the location even though they hadn't yet thought about it. Here is my most recent response:
Patrick,
Thank you for your reply. For reference, the Safeway center is this one; here's a pdf for the Target shopping center, still in planning stages; and here's the LA Fitness shopping center. The Safeway center opened last month, where one of the spaces looks just like a Chipotle, which is why people started talking about one being planned. Next up will be the LA Fitness shopping center, across the street, which should begin construction soon - LA Fitness has already begun publicizing the location. Next up is the Super Target, which I understand has yet to sign the lease, but the project is still underway in the future. Being more of a regional center, they are awaiting the final word about freeway funding (Loop 202 South Mountain).
As you can see, I'm a very involved resident. As such, I will happily provide you with more information about Laveen if you so desire. I also have a blog, highlighting recent activities in the community. Please let me know if you need anything else - it would be great to have a Chipotle around the corner.
Regards,
Patrick Brennan
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Turkey Trot and Dairy Air Dash
I may as well warn my readers: This one gets a little personal......
Bummer. According to the www.laveen.org website, the Turkey Trot and Dairy Air Dash are being held on Saturday, November 22nd. Unfortunately, this is the same day as the huge El Tour de Tucson century ride, which always takes place the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. And I am committed to always riding in El Tour, as it's a far more challenging event.
What happened to the "Turkey Trot" occurring on "Turkey Day?" I was really looking forward to registering this year, since last year Catherine and I weren't able to make it. And I thought the attendance was higher than expected last year, which seems like a relative success..... so, I guess I can guiltily hope that the attendance is LOWER this year.... but that just makes me seem disloyal to my community. You understand that I'm not, right? I'm just a tad selfish.
But I guess we all make choices. It reminds me of last year, when I chose to go to the UA/ASU basketball game in Tucson, rather than attend the Laveen BBQ. I'm still repenting over that one, although I can't help being a die hard Wildcat (with season tickets). Oh well, I will still encourage others to get involved - just like last year......
Bummer. According to the www.laveen.org website, the Turkey Trot and Dairy Air Dash are being held on Saturday, November 22nd. Unfortunately, this is the same day as the huge El Tour de Tucson century ride, which always takes place the weekend prior to Thanksgiving. And I am committed to always riding in El Tour, as it's a far more challenging event.
What happened to the "Turkey Trot" occurring on "Turkey Day?" I was really looking forward to registering this year, since last year Catherine and I weren't able to make it. And I thought the attendance was higher than expected last year, which seems like a relative success..... so, I guess I can guiltily hope that the attendance is LOWER this year.... but that just makes me seem disloyal to my community. You understand that I'm not, right? I'm just a tad selfish.
But I guess we all make choices. It reminds me of last year, when I chose to go to the UA/ASU basketball game in Tucson, rather than attend the Laveen BBQ. I'm still repenting over that one, although I can't help being a die hard Wildcat (with season tickets). Oh well, I will still encourage others to get involved - just like last year......
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