by bryan | Apr 2, 2011 | light rail expansion, News & Information
by Sean Holstege – Apr. 15, 2010 The Arizona Republic Planned extensions and routes Regional planners are mapping new light-rail lines in places that were inconceivable a few years ago, as they grapple with how urban Arizona takes shape in the coming half-century. Preliminary studies show that sufficient demand will exist for light rail to succeed on 44th Street, Camelback Road, south Central Avenue, Bell Road and other routes not previously planned, building a web far more expansive than what is currently envisioned. Officials at the Maricopa Association of Governments, Arizona Department of Transportation and Metro say the conceptual routes are not intended to replace the voter-approved plan for 57 miles of track. But early findings support leading transportation figures who say the Phoenix region has a historic opportunity to rethink light rail’s role – and maybe change some original routes. Driving the new ideas are changes in national policies, demographic trends and a deepening awareness of the causes and effects of the Great Recession. The federal government plans to ease funding for urban mass-transit projects, and Valley cities are adjusting their plans to cash in. Whatever happens may be decades away, with no money identified to build any of it. But transit and other leaders say the country is at a pivotal moment that could shape the future of cities like Phoenix. “It’s not economically sustainable to continue the infrastructure investments of the past. The times are long gone that highways and master-planned developments can be financed, publicly or privately,” said Shannon Scutari, ADOT’s director of rail and sustainability. Central Phoenix Councilman and Metro Chairman Tom Simplot said the changing...
by bryan | Apr 2, 2011 | light rail corridor, light rail expansion, News & Information
by David Madrid – Apr. 1, 2011 The Arizona Republic The Southwest Valley is in line for light rail that would move riders to and from downtown Phoenix along Interstate 10 to the 79th Avenue Park-and-Ride. The line is scheduled to open in 2021, but a reduction in Proposition 400 tax money due to a bad economy could push that date back a year, said Hillary Foose, a spokeswoman for Metro Light Rail. Foose said half the money for the light-rail route comes from Prop. 400 and half is federal funding. “The time frames are directly related to available funds, so every year we rebalance that (light-rail) map with updated funding forecasts,” she said. “We’re in the process of doing that right now, and we’ll be sharing that with our board in coming months. . . . Over the last couple of years we’ve seen some of those dates get pushed out by a year or two.” Prop. 400, passed by Maricopa County voters in 2004, extended a voter-approved half-cent-per-dollar sales tax by two decades. That money funds the Regional Transportation Plan, which includes buses, light rail and roads. Avondale just wants transit options. “As many modes of transportation we can get to move people and get them out of their cars is always welcomed and needed,” Avondale Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers said. The city has a long-term transportation vision. It is preparing a circulator route to move residents to key points around the city. The circulator will consist of four vans that hold 11 passengers. “One of those ways is to increase the circulator so that people aren’t waiting an hour to...
by bryan | Mar 29, 2011 | Restaurant
by Lynlee Smith, ASU Student Intern If your looking for a great bite to eat around lunch time head to House of Tricks located on third street a brisk walk from the Mill Avenue Lightrail stop. Named after the owners, Robert and Robin Trick, this restaurant is a favorite of mine with multiple delights on the menu and a wide range of wines and beverages available. A favorite beverage and a must try, is the raspberry iced tea. This is a great thirst quencher, a refreshing iced tea filled with raspberries to give a unique taste. This is a non-alcoholic beverage however House of Tricks offers a great selection of American as well as international wines from around the globe. House of Tricks serves exquisite salads and sandwiches on their lunch menu. An all time favorite from the menu is the Corned Beef Reuben on Marble Rye with Russian dressing, Gruyere and Sauerkraut. I highly recommend this. House of Tricks is also known for its homemade quiches. This is also another tasty dish served with seasonal fruit, a mixed side salad or homemade soup. If you’re a sweet tooth, House of Tricks also offers a desert menu that changes regularly. I highly recommend these treat’s as they are a unique tasty bite to top off a great...
by bryan | Mar 21, 2011 | ASU, News & Information, Sports
Tough Competition by Lynlee Smith, ASU Intern It has been a tough year for the Arizona State Women’s waterpolo team. However this has not stopped the spirit of the team and their focus on fulfilling their dreams in making the NCAA championships held in Michigan in May. Currently ranked 7th in the nation they are confident they can still fulfill their ultimate goal. “We have improved every week, although some of our results have been unlucky we are still playing great waterpolo”, Captain Sarah Harris said. The Sun devils are half way through their season having played Cal Berkeley, UCLA and USC. To date there has been some unlucky results for the Sun devils, loosing to Cal Berkeley 11-7, UCLA 8-1 and USC 12-3. “Currently we haven’t won a conference game, however have had some very big competition to come up against first up. Cal Berkeley are very strong this year as well as USC”, Senior Candice Phillippe stated. “We were unlucky in our game against UCLA, we created a lot of great opportunities however couldn’t seem to put the ball away in the cage, our shooting has improved since then and I am confident that we will put up hard competition for our up and coming opponents”. The team is still working hard and very focused on their opportunity to still make the NCAA championships at their all conference tournament MPSF at the end of April. MPSF conference is the hardest conference in the United States for waterpolo however this hasn’t busted the spirits of the Sun Devils. “We have a great group of girls who are constantly...
by bryan | Mar 21, 2011 | ASU
Fun in the Sun Tempe Style by Lynlee Smith, ASU Intern Looking for fun affordable activities to do in Tempe? With the change of seasons and summer coming up, a great place to check out is the Tempe Beach Park. Located just off the Lightrail on Mill Avenue this is a great place to have some fun in the sun with family and friends. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to have a picnic with the family, play some beach volleyball or fun water activities Tempe Beach Park offers all these options for all ages. This is a great area to have a picnic or barbeque with the family, with playgrounds available for young children and large grass areas to play sports. From May through till September this is a great place to bring the kids. The Splash Park allows kids to play and cool off in a safe environment. This playground sprinkles kids with mists as they play. Tempe Beach Park is located right on the lake, with paved footpaths and fantastic views at sunset, it is a great place to go for a scenic walk at any time of the day. This area has a rich history, although the lake has only been officially full since 1999, the history goes back centuries. If you are interested in water sports visit the Tempe boat rentals. This facility hires out Kayaks, 2 person and 4 person pedal boats, Hydro bikes, Pontoon bikes, Stand up paddle boards and Electric Skiffs all at affordable prices. Kayaks and Pedal Boats start at $15 an hour or if you feel like...
