Encanto-Palmcroft Historic Preservation Association

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Greetings EPHPA Board –

I’m sorry that I will not be able to attend the February Board meeting tomorrow night.  Following is the latest report from Outreach Committee, and we expect to have more information which I will send via email by the end of next week.   The planning for the PPPI funds, and our $5 million dollar allocation, has been delayed due to the city’s budget crisis. 

As I hope you read in Mike March’s witty President’s Letter in the newsletter, a group of us took an active role in advocating for park budget restorations and programs at Encanto Park.  As of last week, the Parks Department did not know how its staff at Encanto Park would be affected by the cuts.  Several positions have been eliminated, but due to the complex employee issues it wasn’t yet clear who would be assigned to Encanto Park and how they will manage going forward.

Susan Dale, Martin Vogel and I plan to meet with the Assistant Parks Director Rene Vera and the Encanto Park managers on Wednesday afternoon.   We expect they will be able to share plans and let us know if the Clubhouse will be closed, how the recreation complex will be staffed, plans for park ranger operations and the impact on maintenance guidelines and staff.

We expect to offer support for coordinating volunteer efforts and hope we can help establish a model that can be replicated by other park support communities.  Please call or send any specific questions or comments you’d like us to address with the park, and let us know if you are interested in joining the meeting.

The PPPI program is being reconsidered due to the City’s reduced sales tax revenue and fact that the Bond markets are dysfunctional.  This means the $ estimates and allocations are being reconsidered.  The $5 million dollars for Encanto Park could be in jeopardy, but we are hoping that it will work in our favor.  There is a chance that the funds might help with securing Federal stimulus funding to implement the city’s long term flood mitigation plan.   

http://www.fcd.maricopa.gov/Projects/PPM/downloads/MetroADMP/handout_080731.pdf

This major capital project would be a multi-year effort that would result in better water retention for Central Phoenix and include a renovation of Encanto Golf Course.  The plan will add hills and lakes and generally beautify the course to save water.  We think this would be excellent for the park and the neighborhood and will be working to identify ways that we can advocate for the project.   The staff plan for PPPI will be released February 20 and discussed at the February 27 Parks Board meeting.

I’m sorry for the delayed update and for all this uncertainty.   Once things are more clear we will plan next steps and fundraising.  Please look for additional information as it’s available and feel free to contact Susan or me with any ideas or questions.

Thank you!  Best Regards-

Kelly 

258-1416

We’ve heard from the Parks Department folks who will not be able to address our January meeting as that’s the MLK holiday.  As of this point, the Encanto Park pool will be open this summer.  They plan to limit the use of the Clubhouse.

This link shows the proposed cuts. http://phoenix.gov/update/

The city is hosting numerous public meetings re the city budget cuts during January.  The 2 that cover our district are:

6:00 PM Tuesday, Jan 20 @ Cesar Chavez Library  3635 W Baseline Rd

6:00 PM Tuesday, January 27 @ Encanto Park Clubhouse

Given this backdrop and the fact that most budget cuts will go into effect March 1, we will not hold a Friends of Encanto Park fundraiser on March 5.

Planning for Friends of Encanto Park

www.friendsofencantopark.com

As a service to our neighbors to the east (Willo), please see the press release below…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:
Andrea Katsenes: 602-694-1275

ANNUAL WILLO HOME TOUR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8,  2009
PHOENIX, AZ.  The Willo Historic District Annual Home Tour will take place on Sunday, February 8th, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  This unique neighborhood tour features outstanding examples of Tudor, Spanish, and Bungalow style homes dating from the 1920’s through the 1940’s.
One of Phoenix’s most beautiful, and oldest historic neighborhoods, Willo is approximately west of Central Avenue between Thomas and McDowell Roads from 1st to 7th Avenues.  Tickets can be purchased the day of the event at the neighborhood park at 3rd Avenue and Holly.  Tickets are $15 the day of the tour.  Presale tickets are $12.75 and can be purchased online at www.willotour.com.
Trolley cars will carry tour participants to various stops on the tour, or participants can enjoy the traditional tour method of walking from house to house.
A Street Fair at the event will offer handcrafted goods, unusual gift ideas, jewelry, antiques, and local artwork. Food vendors will supply a variety of munchies.   Valley favorite, “Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns” www.coldshott.com will return to rock the neighborhood.
Don’t miss this fun-filled opportunity to visit architecturally significant, finely decorated homes while supporting Phoenix’s largest historic district.  Mark your calendars NOW for the 2009 20th Annual Willo Historic District Home Tour.

The Outreach Committee had another meeting to plan for the Phoenix City Council meeting where a vote will take place on the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative (PPPI). Please join us if you can. Contact outreach@encantopalmcroft.org for ways to get involved in our committee. All are welcome.  For more information about our project, please visit our Friends of Encanto Park Website.

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