The first inklings of light-rail construction will appear along Main Street this month.

Traffic restrictions can be expected as workers prepare to move utility lines between Sycamore Street and Mesa Drive.

Work this month will include verifying the location and depth of underground utilities that need to be moved, and some surveying.

The first phase of actual construction, moving the utility lines, is expected to begin in June, after a ceremonial groundbreaking on May 30.

The approximately $200 million, 3.1-mile extension is being funded by federal grants and a county transportation sales tax that voters approved in 2004.

It is expected to begin carrying passengers in late 2015, a key element in Mesa’s ambitious efforts to transform its downtown into a multifaceted urban community.

Early planning already is under way to run the tracks another 2 miles east, to Gilbert Road, but money for that hasn’t been allocated and there is no projected timeline.

Metro light rail has appointed Lisa Procknow as community outreach coordinator for the Mesa project. She’s available at 602-495-8213, 623-533-1352 or lprocknow@metrolightrail.org.

Ashley Hardee, 29, prides herself on keeping a tight rein on her energy usage.

She lives and works in downtown Phoenix, doesn’t use much gas and now she’s making sure every potential leak in her house is either stemmed or stifled to reduce her utility bills and energy waste.

This week, she participated in a well-touted but little-known program, Energize Phoenix, which aims to help homeowners and businesses within a 10-mile area of central and downtown Phoenix improve their homes’ energy efficiency and reduce electricity usage.

Her condo’s air-conditioning and heating system seemed efficient, “but it’s really my back bedroom that gets hot,” she told David Byrnes, an environmental engineer with Phoenix-based Green Integrated Design, who on Monday checked the windows and doors in her condo for air leaks.

Although Hardee paid $99 for the assessment by Byrnes, she is getting a $99 rebate from the Energize Phoenix program.

Managed by the city, Arizona Public Service and Arizona State University, Energize Phoenix has not been as electrifying for residents as it has been for businesses despite the potential benefits of reduced energy usage and lower utility bills.

Phoenix has spent an estimated $9.1 million of the $25 million in grant funds it received for the program in April 2010, according to a federal website, www.recovery.gov, that tracks spending of stimulus funds.

Most of the grant money spent in Phoenix has benefited businesses in the special corridor.

Homeowners have been a more difficult target, said a Phoenix-area marketing agency, DRA Communications, which was hired to aid the city with marketing the program.

Single-family home participation especially lags.

If Phoenix doesn’t spend all the money by June 2013, the city will have to return any unspent grant dollars to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Among those who can participate in Energize Phoenix are owners of apartment or condo complexes, homes and businesses within central Phoenix and downtown in areas surrounding the city’s 10-mile stretch of light rail. Phoenix officials have called this area the Green Rail Corridor.

In 2010, the corridor was very narrow, spanning a half mile on either side of the rail line from Camelback Road and Central Avenue to 44th and Washington streets. Phoenix widened the corridor in recent months to nearly a mile, an attempt at increasing participation.

In the north-south portion of the light-rail corridor, the boundary streets are Seventh Avenue, Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue to just south of Jefferson Street.

The east-west portion of the corridor has these boundary streets: Seventh Avenue, Arizona 143, Interstate 10 in downtown Phoenix, Loop 202 and Jefferson Street.

Home or business owners in the corridor can participate by contacting one of the 24 approved contractors to conduct the energy audit. The contractor’s audit is $99 up front but a homeowner recovers that money through an Energize Phoenix rebate.

Home or business owners who are concerned they cannot afford the $99 up-front cost and can’t wait for the rebate may qualify for the Energy Assist Program, which helps low-income owners. Renters may also qualify for temporary assistance.

After checking for leaks or other problems that lead to high electricity usage, the contractor can recommend steps to improving the efficiency of a home or business that would qualify for various rebates such as APS’ Home Performance program, Energy Star and Energize Phoenix.

Phoenix officials said 1,083 apartments or multifamily housing units have applied for Energize Phoenix assessments and potential rebates.

So far, 302 of them have made energy-efficiency improvements, and 388 went through the assessments. The remaining 393 owners have scheduled energy audits to check their usage and energy waste.

Energize Phoenix participants include 285 businesses, 149 of which have finished energy-efficiency upgrades while the other 136 are in the process of making improvements, Phoenix officials said.

Few owners of single-family homes in the corridor have participated in Energize Phoenix. City officials on Tuesday said owners of 133 single-family homes have applied for the program, and of those, 74 have undergone energy audits. Twenty-four of those homes have had upgrades.

Michelle McGinty of DRA Communications said the program has had low participation from homeowners in other cities and metropolitan areas as well, which The Republic reported in September.

The DRA marketing team has worked with the 24 contractors that conduct the energy audits to involve more homeowners, she said.

The team has also tried advertisements and door hangers in the affected neighborhoods to alert residents of an energy fair today at the Burton Barr Central Library.

Saving energy for the sake of helping the environment and reducing energy usage are laudable messages, but they have not resonated well with residents. McGinty said marketers have found residents in the corridor seem more concerned “about the impact on their pocketbook.”

Editor’s Note: Light Rail Connect promotes Live, Work and Play in the light rail corridor. Transit Oriented Development will play an important role in the light rail corridor.

A planned investment fund may help create a taste of urban living similar to that of Boston or New York without leaving the Arizona sunshine.

The $30 million Sustainable Communities Development Fund would create incentives to build affordable housing along the Metro light-rail line in Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix.

Projects funded by the incentives would feature transportation-oriented development, a high-density concept that generally features retail and commercial development on the lower floors with residential units on the upper floors.

“We want to work with our non-profit partners to create a pipeline of projects,” said Teresa Brice, a Mesa native and former mayoral candidate who is among the fund’s chief sponsors as executive director of the Local Initiatives Support Corp.

“We call this inventing a Plan B for the Valley of Sun,” she said, offering residents an alternative to the urban sprawl that has contributed to poor air quality and long commutes on jammed freeways.

The fund would help Mesa capitalize on the extension of Metro’s light-rail line and potentially aid in redevelopment efforts near the city’s only station at Sycamore and Main Street.

With the exception of Mekong Plaza, an Asian-themed shopping center that is barely visible to light-rail riders, redevelopment has lagged near the Mesa station, which still has several boarded-up buildings nearby.

Mesa has only 1 mile of light rail, but a 3.1-mile extension is scheduled to open along Main Street through downtown in 2016. It would end near the Mormon Temple east of Mesa Drive. Other new stops are planned at Alma School Road, Center Street and Country Club Drive.

Brice said such transit-oriented development projects have met with mixed results in Phoenix and Tempe during the two years since Metro opened, with Valley residents, developers and banks adjusting to a new concept featuring high densities, rather than traditional single-family development.

But little housing development has met with success in the Valley during the recession. Traditional single-family housing developments on the Valley’s fringes have been among the hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis and the sharp drop in housing values.

With its close proximity to Arizona State University, Tempe has capitalized well on light rail, with three apartment complexes along the route leased nearly to capacity, one of which includes a parking garage shared with light-rail riders.

The fund’s goal is to entice local developers who are accustomed to building on large parcels of desert to undertake more complicated transit-oriented development projects, which often involve assembling small parcels and dealing with a variety of funding sources, including federal and state programs, Brice said.

When the fund is launched – probably this spring – it may also attract developers from places with a far longer mass-transit history and much more established light-rail lines, like the San Francisco Bay Area or Portland, Ore., she said.

“I think there is a lot of great opportunity,” said John Smith, president and CEO of Housing Our Communities, a Mesa non-profit that helps low-income people buy renovated houses. “This fund could become a catalyst.”

Smith said even the fringes of downtown east of Country Club Drive could become prime potential sites for transit-oriented development projects, with bottom-floor businesses providing services for light-rail riders that are lacking near the Sycamore station.

These businesses would cater to rushed light-rail riders who might patronize them before jumping on trains. They might include drugstores, takeout restaurants or dry cleaners.

“As a city, I think we failed in the early light-rail stages to promote our light-rail station. We have not done much with our mile,” Smith said. “If the city lets downtown stay the way it is with light rail, then shame on them.”

Mesa is developing a marketing campaign to promote light-rail development on privately and publicly-owned parcels. It also is completing a zone code overhaul that will make transit-oriented development easier.

Gordon Sheffield, Mesa’s zoning administrator, said the long-awaited zoning overhaul may go to the City Council for approval in mid-April or early May, with the transportation-oriented development component added a little later.

He said Mesa will learn from the best examples of transit-oriented projects in Tempe and Phoenix.

“There might be an ASU effect that might bleed over to the first stop or even the second stop in Mesa,” Sheffield said.

Editor’s Note: Light Rail Connect promotes Live, Work, Ride in the light rail corridor. 

Fortified by hot coffee and a $35 million federal grant, Metro Light Rail kicked off the next leg of construction Monday with a promise to open the downtown Mesa leg a year early.

Monday’s event at the doorstep of the Mesa Arts Center served chiefly to unveil signs that will mark the 3-mile extension from Sycamore Street to east of Mesa Drive. Actual work in the form of utility relocation won’t begin until spring.

But Steve Banta, CEO of Metro Light Rail, made news when he told the shivering crowd, “Our desire is to deliver the project a little bit early. We’d like to deliver it at the end of 2015.”

That would be seven years after Mesa celebrated the opening of its busy Sycamore light-rail station on a December day that was even more blustery than the inhospitable weather that greeted Monday’s crowd.

“We are here today to stake our claim on the extension of Mesa light rail down to the center city,” Banta said.

The extension, he said, “is progressing very well” with local funding in hand and last month’s congressional approval for about half of what the federal government is expected to kick in.

Banta said Metro continues to work with merchants along the extension to help their businesses survive construction. “We will work hand in hand with them to minimize that impact,” he said.

Mike James, Mesa’s transit director, said there will be traffic disruptions when crews begin infrastructure work along the line in a few months.

“There’s going to be a lot of digging,” James said, although in the early going, the immediate downtown area will not be greatly affected.

Mayor Scott Smith, responding to critics who have said the line should take another route or not be built at all, said the extension is part of a regional transit plan approved by voters in 2004.

“We are merely carrying out the will of the voters of Maricopa County who, through Proposition 400, included in their approval the corridor that we are recognizing today,” Smith said.

“This is a great milestone not only for Mesa but for the entire region,” Smith said. “The East Valley has not only shown that they will support light rail but they will support it overwhelmingly.”

Smith said the extension will generate not only more rail passengers from the Southeast Valley, “but it will also spur the kind of development we have not seen in this part of the Valley.”

Wynder’s Dogs is a new restaurant and fresh face to the Central Ave and Camelback neighborhood in uptown Phoenix. Right across from the Landmark Condos. Never heard of them, you say? Well, why not change that this week!

Opened just this September, the restaurant features a hot dog style I had never seen before- a hot dog that is cut like a slinky. Besides looking very different and long, it gives a better flavor and provides more surface area to pile all the toppings and condiments on. Yummy!

Located at 4727 N Central Avenue just a few blocks south of Camelback, it is as you would expect. Simple but clean, friendly owners and fast service. You can find them at www.wynderdogs.com as well as Facebook.

The owners are locals…Mark and Phelisha, a partnership that is pushing to succeed. Mark has worked in the catering business for many years and brings the kitchen experience, while Phelisha attended ASU and graduated with a B.S. in Business to help with of course, the business end! Phelisha explained that her family operated a hot dog business for many years in Phoenix, and she grew up working and learning the business.

The menu includes the standard delicious Wynder Dog, as well as ChedderWynder, Chili Wynder, and Chili/Cheese dogs. All dogs are made from vienna beef. Also on the menu are 100% Angus beef burgers, and for the lean non-beef food lovers, Turkey burgers. Maybe you just want something lite- then you can choose from a Chef Salad, Turkey Club, BLT.

Hot temperature day? Stop in for a cold soft drink, an extra thick shake or sno cone.

What else can you expect?  A smiling waitress and friendly staff. Their goal is to have everyone leave happy with a full belly. Their slogan is ‘So Good You’ll be Beggin for More!’

Tell them you read about it on LightRailConnect.com!

Wynder Dogs
4727 N. Central Ave
Phoenix AZ  85012
602-549-Dogs (3647)

Hours:
Monday-Friday
10:30-4:00 p.m.

BillingTree RockBlock

PHONE: 866-977-6849

Saturday, 5:30 PM
ON THE WEB: mybillingtree.com/rockblock/cityscapephoenix.com

PRICE: $20 – $100 : $100 for VIP dinner, drinks and concert, $25 for general admission on day of event, $20 in advance    

The annual charity rock festival includes classic rock band REO Speedwagon, former Boston singer Fran Cosmo, the band Rossmore and Bill Fay whose credits include “The Hangover” movies and “Independence Day”. Doors open at 5:30 and music begins at 6 p.m. Free roundtrip Metro light rail is available the day of the event when you present proof of online ticket pre-purchase to the conductor. Presented by Phoenix-based BillingTree, The Arizona Republic, 12 News and Azcentral.com. All proceeds benefit several Valley charities via Season For Sharing.

Drive down the light rail corridor any day, and you will find thousands of houses and properties near the light rail. A percentage of these homes are owned by intelligent investors. And, investors are looking for aggressive management to care and keep the properties full and maintained.

Call LRA Real Estate property management for fast and courteous quote to discuss your situation. 480.734.7878, or bryan@LRAphx.com

• lock in the 2012 rate of $50/house management fee
• move before year end
• Act now
• payments made to owners quickly
• investor friendly
• broker owns rentals and understands issues

[Editor's Note: The Presidential debate next to the light rail extension in Mesa at the Arts Center shows the powerful will show up. Light Rail Advisors supports free and open political debate]

Mesa will host the Republican presidential debate on Nov. 30.

Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey made the announcement Tuesday that Mesa Arts Center will be the location.   

The $98 million performing arts venue was a major reason that CNN, which is hosting the debate, selected Mesa, said Mesa City Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh.

“When CNN toured the MAC recently they were simply blown away by all of its facilities which are well suited for handling all of their trucks and equipment,” he said.

“I think it’s huge for the city to actually acquire an event like this. It’s a major news event that will have CNN headquartered here for a couple days for the debate. It’s an opportunity to showcase the city for a major national event like this.”

The nationally televised debate is being sponsored by the Arizona Republican Party and will be conducted and aired live on CNN at 6 p.m. local time on Nov. 30.

The arts center, which opened in 2005, is a world-class facility well-suited to host this world-class event, Morrissey said in a prepared statement.

The complex is situated on a seven-acre campus and incomes more than 212,000 square feet of theaters, studios and exhibition space.

“Mesa Arts Center is an ideal venue for the debate,” said Morrissey said in a release. “This state-of-the-art facility will be front and center as Arizona welcomes the candidates for this important event.”

Gov. Jan Brewer called the event a critical opportunity to spotlight southwestern issues and have the candidates hear directly from Arizona voters.

“This is a tremendous honor,” Brewer said in the GOP release. “Arizona will play a key role in the coming election, and I’m looking forward to our voters getting an up-close look at our nation’s candidates for president.”

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said the national exposure of the debate will pay dividends for both the State of Arizona and City of Mesa.

“Mesa is honored to host this important event at our beautiful arts center,” Mayor Smith said. “We are confident that we can demonstrate all Arizona has to offer to both the attendees and millions of viewers.”

The Mesa Arts Center is in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona’s largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions and outstanding arts education classes. The facility is an architectural showpiece and a destination for visitors to the Phoenix area. For a map of the facility go to www.mesaartscenter.com.

Scott Butler, governmental relations director for the City of Mesa said previously that part of Mesa’s case for bidding on the debate is that the East Valley city is a conservative and Republican bastion. “We think it’s a great opportunity,” Butler said.

Other locations that were considered were the Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix and Arizona State University’s Gammage Auditorium, which was the site of the 2008 presidential debate.

[Editor's Note: Phoenix Sky Train is coming along. The roof is being attached at this very moment as you read this update. LightRailConnect supports this valuable link to make the airport more accessible to everyone]

One Great Asset – PHX Sky Train Car Unveiled

Five. Four. Three. Two. One. From behind the curtain and out of the smoke, the first car of the PHX Sky Train™ dazzled onlookers who broke into applause and gave each other high-fives. What began as a dream 10 years ago is now a reality. Thanks to the hard work and vision of city of Phoenix leaders and innovators, the first of many PHX Sky Train cars to come has arrived in Phoenix and was met with excitement on Tuesday, August 16, during an unveiling ceremony.  

Aviation Director Danny Murphy called the day a special and extraordinarily exciting one for the city, the Valley and the State.

“This is one of the most forward-thinking projects of our time,” Murphy remarked. “The PHX Sky Train will allow us to meet the expectations of the public as they travel through America’s Friendliest Airport®.”

As a state-of-the-art customer service asset, the PHX Sky Train will run from the light rail station at 44th Street and Washington to the East Economy Parking Area to Terminal 4 in Stage 1 which will open in the first quarter of 2013. By 2015, the train will continue to Terminal 3 with a walkway to Terminal 2.

“The PHX Sky Train will open on time and on budget,” Murphy said as applause erupted.

Mayor Phil Gordon remarked how important this project is for the community. (See photo of Mayor Gordon and other City of Phoenix dignitaries above right).

“Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the single largest economic engine in the state of Arizona,” Gordon said. “It brings people to the State and is the largest employer. What a strength this is to the State and we are so proud to be part of this project.”

In fact, the PHX Sky Train project will not only benefit Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, but its magnitude is significant for the State as well.

“This project has created jobs – 8,000 jobs,” Gordon said. “We have been able to put people to work here in Arizona.”

The unveiling of the first car built by Bombardier gave a preview into what this high tech system will look like.

“Isn’t she beautiful,” said David Barry, Bombardier’s Vice President, Americas Region of the Systems Division. “This is one of the most beautiful trains we have ever built. And, it is one of the most modern, state-of-the-art systems we have.”

And, it was all smiles and a sense of excitement as attendees boarded the train to take a look and snap a few photos. Soon, travelers will have the opportunity to travel on these modern train cars. In the meantime, throughout 2012, Airport visitors will see empty train cars being tested along the guideway. This is the first of 18 train cars to come from train system operator Bombardier.

Companies recognized for their work on the project include: Bombardier; Gannett Fleming; Lea+Elliott; Hensel Phelps Construction Company; The Weitz Company; and many other subcontractors.

For more information on the PHX Sky Train project, click here.

To see photos of the PHX Sky Train unveiling, visit our Facebook album.

Leave the kids at home with a baby-sitter and spend the evening at the Arizona Science Center, where you can experience the exhibits at your own pace and save $14 per person in admission. Astronomer Michael Hart of the University of Arizona will talk about how lasers and telescopes give sharp views of the sky.

Details: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. Free. IMAX and planetarium are $8 each. 602-716-2000, azscience.org.

Courtesy of The Arizona Republic