Housing for Refugees
Housing for Refugees
Deema Abdul Rahman, Dominic Amodio, Lucas Jensen, Mariah Kerihard, Sara Pimentel
Embedded Files
To debate, the right of people to access housing is to debate the right of people to access water. Or any basic need for that matter. Social housing is an initiative that looks at providing people with - if possible - permanent affordable housing, that also incorporates social equity and democratic resident control (Waters & Mironova, 2020). Our studio’s definition of social housing is “the act of shaping durable, adequate, accessible, affordable, and contextually relevant housing solutions for all.” The concept of social housing can be morphed and interpreted differently when approached by different entities. However, one keyword that unifies all definitions is “affordability”. Affordable housing projects are only focused on building the structure rather than building a place. It brushes over the importance of the connectivity the house has with the overall community. Knowing that the residents of such projects are from lower-income communities, local residents have this stereotypical approach to detach themselves from them. Therefore, even though we are building affordable housing projects we fail to integrate them into the urban fabric of the community. For this site, we are looking to build the connection that is missed when creating social housing, a connection that is built between future residents and their rights to access a healthy outdoor space but also the connection that the community will have with our future residents through a shared space.
Source: perkinswill.com
Transit Oriented Development
Transit Oriented Development
Our definition and vision of transit oriented development focuses on the needs of the community and future residents. We view affordable housing as a key component of TOD to ensure public transit access to those who need it most. The mixed-uses in the development should serve to connect the community in a walkable environment and improve the local and regional economies.
Environmental Justice Act
Environmental Justice Act
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies”. We are looking to incorporate all the elements that comprise the Environmental Justice Act which are transportation, health, environment, and housing.
Source: cloresocialleadership.org
A Collaborative Approach
A Collaborative Approach
The Mod Los Angeles
The Mod Los Angeles
Building parking underground can be expensive in the Phoenix area, and it can be difficult to sell a reduction in parking spaces to neighbors; Los Angeles can serve as an important case study when considering alternative sustainable parking solutions. In Hollywood, a development is underway that includes two floors of parking that are specifically designed to be able to be converted into new office space or residential development (Peters, 2019). Design firm Gensler is also in talks with Los Angeles to convert already existing parking garages into affordable housing using a design concept called “the Mod” that considers ways to repurpose parking garages into “pod-like housing” (Peters, 2019).
Source: axios.com
Incubators in Los Angeles
Incubators in Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles Economic Workforce Development Department (EWDD) provides Community Development Block Grants to incubators across the city to enable innovation and growth of small businesses. They also offer the LA:RISE program that works with unemployed populations with high barriers to employment to provide job training and then matches them with retention officers to ensure their success.
Source: archpaper.com
Mexico City's BRT
Mexico City's BRT
Mexico City was able to ease “grueling commutes” in the city by implementing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which they call Metrobùs. (Enwemeka, 2019) Metrobùses have their own dedicated traffic lane, and bus stations are more similar to light rail stations, including fare boxes that speed up boarding times. These features are key components for a fixed bus route to be considered BRT. Additional benefits of BRT include the cost, it is typically a fraction of the cost of light rail and just as effective at removing personal passenger vehicles from the road. BRT has been wildly successful in Mexico City and city officials are looking to expand.
Source: thecityfix.com
Site & Regional Overview
Site & Regional Overview
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Site Description
Site Description
The site is located at the intersection of 19th Ave and Dunlap Ave in the 19North neighborhood and comprises Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 158-05-033G, 158-05-089, and 158-05-088, which totals approximately 10.3 acres (Figure 1).
Site Access
Site Access
The Site is bounded on the north by Dunlap Ave and on the east by 19th Ave. There are four access points: 19th Ave from the east, two from Dunlap Ave to the north, and one from the adjacent apartment complex from the south (Appendix B.1.). The site is bounded by cement walls from the south and west and by the light rail from the north and east.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Existing Transportation Network
Existing Transportation Network
Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix provide an extensive public transportation network around the site. Light rail, fixed route bus service, and paratransit service are available in the study area.
Connecting Bus Routes include:
Route 19 – 19th Ave
Route 90 – Dunlap Ave/Cave Creek Rd
Route 122 – Cactus Rd
Source: valleymetro.org
Utilities
Utilities
The City’s existing water and wastewater infrastructure serving the site can be found in Section IV (B) of the City’s Design Standards Manual for Water and Wastewater Systems. The Site is served by Southwest Gas (natural gas) and the Salt River Project (electric power).
Existing Infrastructure
Existing Infrastructure
Substantial public space and infrastructure is incorporated into the site. There is a roundabout along with public seating space and bicycle parking used by the public to connect transit passengers to the adjacent services. The 19th Ave and Dunlap Light Rail Station are adjacent to the north edge of the site. The station features colorful architectural designs from metropolitan Phoenix that are meant to provoke thoughts about the aesthetics of the public environment. Next to the Light Rail Station is a Valley Metro Ticketing Office and to the east of the site on 19th Ave, there is a Valley Metro bus stop. Finally, a public art installation titled Dunlap Venue is located at the Northeast corner of the site and features nine art cones that project light and shadows onto an open-air plaza below.
Source:Valley Metro Park-and-Ride Utilization Report
Park-and-Ride
Park-and-Ride
The site is currently a park-and-ride that has 415 vehicle spaces and 8 bicycle spaces. Pre-Covid in 2019 the utilization rate for the park-and-ride ranged from 26% to 43%, or 109 - 181 parking spaces. During Covid in 2020, we see the utilization rate start off at 35% and dramatically dive to 2%, which works out to 146 to 9 parking spaces. Finally, post-covid in 2021, the utilization rate ranged from 2% to 8%, or between 11 and 34 parking spaces.
Surrounding Area
Socioeconomic Trends
Socioeconomic Trends
To understand the socioeconomic trends within the study area, an analysis of existing and projected population and employment growth was performed. Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) from the Maricopa Association of Government (MAG), and the following Census Tracts in Maricopa County were chosen as the basis for the analysis: 1044.02, 1045.01, 1045.02, 1054,1055.01, 1055.02, 1055.03.
Population Growth
Population Growth
According to the MAG’s TAZs, the study area was home to approximately 23,618 people as of 2020, or 6,561 people per square mile. By 2050, the population is projected to grow at a rate of 27% to 30,017 people. This is compared to the City of Phoenix which is projected to grow at a rate of 24% by 2050. Population growth indicates an increase in demand for existing and future transportation networks. This increase in demand can cause congestion and travel delays in the study area, which has a fixed boundary and is fully built out, leaving little room for the addition of vehicular traffic lanes or other street expansions to improve performance or reduce future congestion.
Employment Growth
Employment Growth
The study area was home to approximately 16,114 jobs as of 2020, or 4,476 people per square mile. By 2050, employment is projected to grow at a rate of 29% to 20,731 people. This is compared to the City of Phoenix which is projected to grow at a rate of 36% by 2050. Employment growth has the potential to further strain the existing and future transportation network by attracting additional trips into the study area, particularly during morning and evening peak rush hour times. When considering employment growth with population growth, it is clear the study area will see higher levels of traffic congestion and additional travel delays. It is anticipated that additional employees will result from the redevelopment of existing employment centers that are of higher density.
Transit Dependency
Transit Dependency
Transit-dependent populations rely more heavily on transit services to maintain their overall mobility. Areas with these populations are more likely to utilize enhanced transit services and have a greater need for improved alternative modes of transportation.
Four transit-dependent indicators were analyzed to understand the level of transit-dependency in the study area:
Commute to work mode choice (transit, bike, walk)
Average household income (<$35,000)
Age (Over 65)
Zero-and one-vehicle households
Each indicator captures populations that are more likely to utilize alternative transportation options. For instance, populations who already utilize alternative modes to travel to work such as public transit, biking, or walking are more likely to adopt higher service levels if available. People with lower incomes are more likely to ride transit in general, as it is a more affordable option compared to owning a vehicle. Older populations are more likely to ride transit for various reasons, including health, affordability, and personal choice. Additionally, households that have one or zero cars are more likely to ride transit.
The study area rates favorably compared to the City of Phoenix in three of the four indicators. As of 2020, people in the study area are twice as likely at 14% to already ride transit, walk, or bike to work compared to the overall City at 7%. The study area also has lower average incomes and lower rates of personal vehicle ownership, 39% and 62% respectively.
Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey, 2020
Source: Sara Pimentel
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian Safety
In 2019, AZCentral declared the intersection at 19th Ave and Dunlap as one of the 12 deadliest intersections in Phoenix. In the following year, 29 pedestrian collisions occurred in the study area. Of these, four resulted in a fatality, and six were classified as a hit-or-run.
Environmental Conditions
Heat
Tree Equity
The two GIS maps above showing the temperature and tree equity score in the City of Phoenix were produced with our site highlighted in black. The data for this map is extracted from the tree equity score website. The data shows that the site’s average temperature per year ranges between 104F and 106F. The map is also accompanied by a tree equity score map that shows the site’s equitable percentage and according to it, the site is at 60%. This shows that the proposed site is hot with few trees.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Air Pollution
The site is adjacent to two roads making cars the main pollutant on site. According to Valley Metro's air pollution report, there is no dangerous amount of pollutants found on site. The main concerns are pollution omitted from cars and particle matter (PMs).
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Sound Pollution
Complaints are voiced by some residents about the noise that is produced by the light rail. The above diagram shows the two different types of noise production. The first is airborne and the second is ground-borne. Airborne is the noise that is heard by the ear and the source for that is the light rail movement on tracks, announcements in the station, and bells when approaching and leaving the site. The ground-borne noise is vibrations produced by the movement of the light rail that can affect surrounding structures and should be considered when building any type of project.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Access to Parks
Access to Parks
Access to parks is essential to build a narrative for outdoor accessibility. The first study looks at 1-mile walking proximity from the designated site. The figure above shows the location of the site in red and two radial circles showing ½ mile and 1-mile distances. In green is the Royal Palm Park, the only walking distance public park available for the future residents of the site.
The light rail is another mode of transport that is looked at when studying future residents' accessibility to parks. We considered the next four stops to study the proximity of parks from our site. Highlighted in green, only three parks are found near our site that are accessible by the public.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Open Space Potential
To build a successful outdoor design project we should look at the site’s existing potential. The diagram adjacent shows the different types of potential in our site that could be utilized when seeking to build an outdoor space.
The existing open space structure is part of the light rail and cannot be eliminated. We foresee integrating this structure as part of the future open space that will be designed.
The light rail which not only can transport to other recreational places but can be a recreation space on its own.
The apartments to the south could be an opportunity for a unified garden that is intimate and tucked away from the streets.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Site-Specific Funding Opportunities
Site-Specific Funding Opportunities
LIHTC
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits are a federal program that encourages the investment of private capital in affordable housing projects. Our site is located in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) which allows for a basis boost to be applied to the calculation of available funding through the program.
Section 8
Through the Section 8 Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs) housing authorities can award vouchers to specific units that remain affordable over a 20 year period. The eligble tenant pays 30% of their income and the local housing authority pays the landlord and an additional amount to equal market-value.
LISC
The LISC is a local organization that offers predvelopment loans, grants, and below-market loans to affordable housing projects in the state of Arizona. Their Home Matters fund offers up to $100 million in additional funding for affordable housing projects.
Arizona LIHTC
The State of Arizona recently created their onw LIHTC program, which follows the same guidelines as the federal program. Funding is capped at $4 million annually. As with the federal program the site is eligble for a basis boost due to being located within a QCT.
A Housing Vision for Refugees
A Housing Vision for Refugees
Our vision is to create a mixed-use, transit-oriented social housing development for refugees. Through a Community Land Trust, we are seeking to maximize the number of affordable units for rent and sale and keep units affordable in perpetuity. Commercial space will be included in the development, in particular small-scale incubation spaces for microentrepreneurs, giving priority to existing local businesses and future residents. Our project aims to not only consider new residents' needs but also integrate the existing public spaces and current neighborhood residents through community spaces and site accessibility. We seek to tap into the already robust transportation system and improve the quality of friendly infrastructure to incorporate multimodal mobility into the site and neighborhood.
In 20 years, we envision the site flourishing as just one of many stops on Phoenix’s extensive light rail system and a thriving community gathering space where everyday services can be accessed. The site will be a focal point having successfully implemented Phoenix’s first pocket park light rail station and integrated bike lane. The developer will be renewing project-based vouchers for another 20 years to extend the perpetuity of affordability. The units that we are not able to secure project-based vouchers for will return to market-rate and will be available for rent to anyone in the community. The residents will have built generational wealth through homeownership on the site but also many will have moved on from the development and will be homeowners in other parts of Phoenix.
Source: irc.org & Deema Abdul Rahman
Why Refugees?
Why Refugees?
Refugees are considered people “who are outside of and unable or unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of their home country because of persecution or fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion” (International Rescue Committee, 2022).
Arizona has a robust refugee resettlement program and the largest resettlement agency in the state is close to the site. In Federal Fiscal Year 2021, the state resettled 647 refugees in Phoenix and Tucson. (Arizona Department of Economic Security, 2022) Commonly, refugee populations do not have access to a vehicle for many years after arriving in the U.S. but need access to many different types of services, for example:
Employment services
Case management
English language classes
Behavioral health services
Services to elderly refugees (ages 60+)
To the left you will find a map of the refugee service providers in close proximity to the site, including:
RICE - Refugee and Immigrants Community for Empowerment.
AIRS - Arizona Immigrant and Refugee Services.
IRC - International Rescue Committee
Camelbackyard Community Food Hub
Catholic Charities
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Jewish Family & Children’s Services
Desired Project
Desired Project
Rezone to Walkable Urban Code
Rezone to Walkable Urban Code
This will provide appropriate density, incentive transit ridership, and improve pedestrian access and walkability along the 19North transit corridor and across the Phoenix Metropolitan region. This development will serve as an example of the benefits created by utilizing the WU Code to create Transit-Oriented Development along the Valley Metro Light Rail.
Source: cityofphoenix.org
Incorporate Refugee Specific Services
Incorporate Refugee Specific Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement identifies support services that focus on employment, social adjustment, English language instruction, interpretation and translation, daycare for children, and citizenship and naturalization. This can be accomplished through partnerships with non-profit groups such as the IRC or AIRS.
Source: airsaz.org
Prioritize 3-bedroom units
Prioritize 3-bedroom units
This will accommodate refugee populations and multi-generational family structures and fill in the existing need for larger units in the area.
Source: pewresearch.org
Small Commercial Space
Small Commercial Space
This will maximize attainability for small and local businesses and create an environment that fosters community to align with TOD ideals.
Source: coldwellbankerhomes.com
Protect Existing Local Businesses
Protect Existing Local Businesses
Enabling local businesses to remain on site will combat gentrification of the area associated with large, transformational projects, create community, and grow the local economy.
Source: Sara Pimentel
Incorporate Small Business Incubators
Incorporate Small Business Incubators
To encourage small business growth and upward mobility, proposers should provide flex space at reduced rates for residents. Partnerships with the City of Phoenix will help to provide assistance to tenants and entrepreneurs.
Source: cargocollective.com
Existing Roundabout
Existing Roundabout
To encourage public and private integration, maintain a roundabout for light rail station customers and ride share.
Source: Sara Pimentel
Cars & Living Spaces
Cars & Living Spaces
Limit vehicle traffic to the west side of the development to reduce noise and increase pedestrian comfort.
Source: culdesac.org
Eliminate 19th Ave Vehicle Entrance
Eliminate 19th Ave Vehicle Entrance
Eliminating the driveway located on 19th Ave will result in greater pedestrian safety and will limit vehicle traffic to the west side of the development.
Source: Sara Pimentel
Underground Parking
Underground Parking
Surface parking lots are inefficient and exacerbate urban heat island effects; underground parking reduces these environmental effects and is more aesthetically pleasing.
Source : dbsg.com
Parking Garage
Parking Garage
Underground parking can be expensive and can result in unreasonable project costs; an alternative to exploring is a parking garage that can easily be converted into housing in the future when population growth demands additional housing.
Source : wired.com
Paseos
Paseos
The site is approximately 10.3 acres and will need to be broken up into smaller blocks to make it more comfortable for pedestrians; paseos are pedestrian-only walkways that can provide residents and the public with open outdoor space and can provide connection to surrounding infrastructure.
Source : dbsg.com
Bike Lane
Bike Lane
As a way to draw the public in and through our site, bike lanes should be incorporated in the site design, as well as on the surrounding arterial roads to connect to the broader Phoenix Bike Network.
Source : bizjournal.com
Multi-Mobility
Multi-Mobility
Incorporate infrastructure to support alternative transportation options, bike parking or lockers, public showers for commuters, bathrooms, and water fountains.
Source : seattle.gov
Ample Green
Ample Green
According to the WU code, a minimum of 5% of the site should be designated as landscape. For this site, we should have a minimum of 20% being landscape including landscape buffer with emphasis on at least one garden for the public and private.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Community Space
Community Space
An overarching design vision for a social housing concept that encourages the developer to see the site as more than just a housing project but an outdoor-indoor experience through the integration of community space. We are looking to utilize the existing open space structure, Dunlap Venue, and expand it to be part of future open space on site. It will act as a park/garden space for light rail users but also residents of the site. The increasing migration of people from rural to urban areas has led to the scarcity of open spaces. Wherever possible, outdoor areas should be provided for the opportunity of connecting with nature. This also means that the preservation of adjacent nature should be considered.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Connectivity
Connectivity
The architectural piece that will be placed on site should include an indoor-outdoor feeling for the residents that gives an airy feeling instead of a concrete block. This could be through strategically placing large windows in areas that are not facing the sun, balconies that can give residents a sense of an intimate backyard, and/or green vegetation that is used outside in the garden but spills inwards the architecture.
Source: istockphoto.com
Xeriscape
Xeriscape
It is important when designing arid landscapes to consider its indigenous species since they thrive best in local conditions and do not need a lot of water.
Source: finegardening.com
Community Garden
Community Garden
A garden can be more than a space to enjoy nature but also a place for community gatherings. The benefit of this type of garden is the direct involvement of the people with the soil and plants. It creates a bond that builds a sense of purpose in people which improves their mental health.
Source: finegardening.com
Recreational Garden
Recreational Garden
Knowing that refugees are multigenerational it is essential to have a recreational garden for kids to play in close to their homes. It is the most common type of garden and its main purpose is to provide a space for different physical and mental activities.
Source: finegardening.com
Accessibility to Food Services
Accessibility to Food Services
There are community groups at play in this community that has worked to strengthen the neighborhood through their shared visions offering new initiatives from a garden along the light rail line to assist in making the area safer, and more walkable and food mentoring programs for residents as well. The implementation of a community garden will assist in improving access to fresh locally grown vegetables and fruit. The mobile food stand could blend modes of both point-of-purchase and subscription services to encourage more participation. The local food banks could band together with churches and schools to create strategies aimed at reducing hunger and food insecurity. The ability to offer cooking and tasting demonstrations at each mobile food stand could help introduce people to unfamiliar produce so that they are more likely to use it on their own. In many mobile food stands about 90% of the products distributed are donated by various suppliers, which range from commercial food distributors, and small individual gardens to supermarkets.
Accessibility to Health and Employment Services
Accessibility to Health and Employment Services
There are community groups at play in this community that has worked to strengthen the neighborhood through their shared visions offering new initiatives from a garden along the light rail line to assist in making the area safer, and more walkable and food mentoring programs for residents as well. Community health hinges on non-medical interventions to improve population health, and community-based health is defined by the delivery of medical care and education.
Hinging on health equity and the social determinants of health, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders can design community health programs that address key social needs that ultimately affect a person’s health.
A mobile health clinic that parks itself outside of a trusted community center, for example, qualifies as community-based health. Equally important to good design is what takes place inside the development. Services such as child care, after-school care, job training, continuing education, health services, financial counseling, and social events do a lot to improve the lives of residents and strengthen communities.
19North Transit Oriented Development District Policy Plan
In 2017, after the Northwest Extension of the light rail was completed down the center of 19th avenue this brought diverse changes to the area, this was when 19North Community Alliance was formed. There is a 19North Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District Policy Plan that is community-driven. This plan is intended to provide guidance for redevelopment along the northernmost segment of the existing light rail line in the area between Dunlap Avenue (North) and Montebello Avenue (South), 23rd Avenue (est), and 15th Avenue (East). This is a coalition of community leaders, city offices, local government, faith, schools, businesses, and other non-profit organizations who work together on a shared vision for our neighborhoods.
19North has developments within the community that include the El Caro Development, 19North Community Garden, Northern Gardens Community, 19West, Laurel Tree at Northern, and Beatitudes Campus Expansion. There is a 19North Transit Oriented Development (TOD) District Policy Plan that is community-driven. Looking into the future this plan establishes the community vision based on feedback provided at the community workshops. The strategies in place to accomplish these goals are introduced in four urban principles and supporting strategies that promote TOD design. Also, these strategies are linked to quantifiable measures that contribute to the promotion of the goals of the six planning elements and are aids to implementing the community’s vision.
Community Land Trust (CLTs)
CLTs are a mechanism that provides permanent affordability, homeownership, and enhanced community control. CLTs operate by separating the land from the improvements (housing unit), the CLT retains ownership of the land while the homeowner purchases just the housing unit. The CLT uses a formula to cap the resale value of the home in order to maintain the affordability of the property in perpetuity. CLTs promote enhanced community control through the tripartite board that oversees the CLT. The City would facilitate the sale of the property to the CLT. The newly-formed CLT will oversee the development of the units, and sale of units, manage both the traditional rental units and the rent-to-own units and manage the commercial rental spaces. The CLT will be comprised of a tripartite board where ⅓ of the board will be industry stakeholders including affordable housing developers and City officials, another ⅓ will be CLT residents, and the final third will be community organizations. The City is looking specifically to partner with the 19North Community Alliance and the IRC to be present on the CLT board.
Rental Units
Supported by Section 8 PBVs and will accept any Section 8 HCVs as well.
For-Sale Units
Traditional CLT units that remain affordable in perpetuity through the resale caps.
Rent-to-Own
Rent-to-own units provide households who are not quite ready for homeownership to begin building towards the purchase price
Commercial Spaces
As part of the mixed-use component of the site the CLT would act as the landlord for the commercial tenant and the small business incubators
CLT Tripartite Board
CLT Tripartite Board
CLT Residents
Residential Tenants
CLT Homeowners
Commercial Tenants
Community Organizations
19North Community Alliance
IRC
Industry Stakeholders
City of Phoenix Housing Officials
Affordable Housing Developers
Minimum number or percentage of affordable units
Minimum number or percentage of affordable units
The City would prefer 80% of the rental units be affordable for residents earning 60% or below AMI. All for-sale units and rent-to-own units would follow traditional CLT resale caps.
Length of affordability
Length of affordability
Federal funding sources will dictate the minimum period of affordability for the rental units, however, the City desires that 75% of the units that receive Section PBVs be renewed at the end of the initial 20-year period. The for-sale units will remain affordable in perpetuity through the separation of ownership between the units and the land. Rent-to-own units will transition into traditional for-sale CLT units and will also remain affordable in perpetuity.
Return to the City
Return to the City
The City Necklace
The City Necklace
The city necklace is a city-wide project that consists of a strap which in this case would be the light rail and diamonds which are the pocket parks at each station. The first pocket garden would be built at our site that incorporates the existing structure. It will include paseos as suggested in the transportation section and a bike lane that cuts through the site and connects with the broader Phoenix bike network. This garden will act as an open space for our future residents but also an open space for the light rail users and our overall community around the site. The uniqueness of this proposal is that it is a city-wide proposal that allows for open space at every station but specifically for the site it acts like a gateway to integrate the community and the residents of our site.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Phoenix Bike Network
Phoenix Bike Network
The site is detached from Phoenix’s existing bike network; to create a bikeable district where people of all ages and abilities feel safe and comfortable riding a bike for transportation or recreation, protected bike lanes should be considered on 19th Ave. This will provide access points to Phoenix’s existing bike network and to the Arizona Canal Multi-Use Path half a mile north of the site.
Source: Deema Abdul Rahman
Bus Rapid Transit
Bus Rapid Transit
The primary fixed bus route serving the site, Route 19, is Valley Metro’s top route in terms of total boardings in the entire Valley Metro network and could benefit from the implementation of bus rapid transit (BRT). BRT has its own dedicated traffic lanes, and bus stations are more similar to a light rail station including fare boxes that speed up boarding times. Proposers should consider building a new BRT transit platform on 19th Ave to replace the existing bus stop. This will be the first BRT platform along the route.
Source: sfbetterstreets.org
Sidewalk Improvements
Sidewalk Improvements
The 19North Transit Oriented Development Policy Plan envisions this particular intersection to be a gateway district from the north and to the light rail. As such, the intersection is to serve as a “walk-up” district where buildings are oriented toward safe and comfortable pedestrian walkways. As part of your proposal consider sidewalk improvements that included detached and shaded sidewalks incorporating a 5’- 8’ landscaped buffer from the street. Sidewalks should be 6’- 8’ wide and be shaded to 75%.
source : 19North TOD Policy Plan
References
References
19North. (2021) 19North Transit Oriented Development Policy Plan. https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Documents/19N_Document- 2021_02-10_Pages2.pdf
2021 and 2022 small DDAs and QCTs: HUD USER. 2021 and 2022 Small DDAs and QCTs | HUD USER. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2022, from https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sadda/sadda_qct.html
Arizona Department of Economic Security. (2025, October 25). Arizona Refugee Resettlement. https://des.az.gov/services/basic- needs/refugee-resettlement/faqs
Arizona Establishes State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. National Low-Income Housing Coalition. (2021). Retrieved October 27, 2022.
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Carr, J. (n.d.). Best Practice Toolkit for Municipalities, for Increasing the Supply of Affordable Housing in Arizona. Arizona Housing Coalition. Retrieved October 27, 2022.
City of Los Angeles. (2017). Transit Oriented Communities affordable housing incentive program guidelines (TOC guidelines). Retrieved from https://planning.lacity.org/ordinances/docs/toc/TOCGuidelines.pdf
City of Phoenix, 2006. City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department Phoenix Green Construction Code, Available at: http://www.ecodes.biz/ecodes support/Free Resources/Phoenix2006/Phoenix
Culdesac. (2022 October 25). Welcome to Culdesac Tempe. https://culdesac.com/
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