Skatepark under construction; 22nd St.; 4th Av.

UPDATE, 8:20p: The city has responded on skatepark design, and the topic will be discussed at the Nov 5 SRPNA meeting, see Oct 8 post below for time and place.

TUCSON -- The skatepark is finally under construction just east of 3rd Av. and 21st St. Some neighbors are concerned because earlier promises from City Manager Mike Hein's office to involve neighbors in project design have not yet been honored, including possibly naming the facility in honor of Albert Gallego. Recently, Peg Weber of Tucson Parks and Rec. assured us the project manager would be in touch to discuss, but he has not been.

Jim Glock with Tucson Dept. of Transportation and RTA has hand-picked people to serve on the 22nd St. widening proposal's Citizens' Oversight Committee. Although many applied to serve, at this time, it appears only one of our neighbors has been chosen. It seems she has good intentions, but she has not been involved in detail for many years with the proposal, unlike others who also applied.

An improvement project along S. 4th Av. has been delayed by the city. It was supposed to start by the end of this year, but now city officials are saying maybe in the spring. The city wants money from ADoT, but has yet to even ask for it. It could be very hard to get any funding from ADoT now due to the state's very bad budget situation. SRPNA Historic Preservation Chair Demion Clinco is looking in to this.

At this time, it is unclear how new SRPNA President Angie Quiroz, a city employee, will handle existing agreements on the park, 22nd St. widening proposal and other already approved projects. At this time, she has my support, and I've reminded her that the President cannot change any existing agreements without clear support of a majority of neighborhood association members as voted on in an advertised public meeting.

Vote Nov 4; Changes at SRPNA, next mtg. Nov 5

TUCSON -- Vote & unite for ongoing progress in your Santa Rita Park neighborhood. Next SRPNA meeting: Wed. Nov 5, 5:30-6:45pm, Sam Lena Library, 1607 S. 6th Ave.

Friends & Neighbors – After years of rewarding neighborhood service and progress, I am voluntarily stepping down so new SRPNA President Angie Quiroz can take over all responsibilities. I wish Angie and SRPNA the best, and I hope to stay involved to help quality of life and get ‘in progress’ projects done. Thank you! Daniel Patterson, former SRPNA President.

VOTE Tues. Nov 4, 6a-7p, Santa Rosa Library, 1075 S. 10th Ave (Bring ID), or return your vote-by-mail ballot if you haven’t already. Request your vote-by-mail ballot by Oct 24. Visit recorder.pima.gov or call 740.4330 for all info and help. Voting is a powerful right, so please do it.