Barrio Defense Committees Press Release
Contact: Sylvia Herrera 602.575.8829
Salvador Reza 602.446.9928
Date: May 4, 2022
Re: Case Z-68-21-8 Zoning change to A-2 in poor neighborhoods
Cinco de Mayo Demonstration Against Toxic Zoning
Location: Alkire Park (17th Ave and West Pima Rd)
Date: 5 de Mayo 2022
Time: 5:00 PM
Stop Toxic Zoning on Residential Poor Neighborhoods
Social scientists have coined the term “Environmental Racism” in cities where
polluting industries have been zoned industrial in poor neighborhoods where the
predominant ethnic composition are African American, and Brown skinned
communities from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and other countries south of
the United States.
The City of
Phoenix Planning Commission is hearing case #Z-68-21-8 where a property
utilized by (DAASW) Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest is trying to upgrade
the zoning to A-2, the heaviest industrial zoning in the City of Phoenix. Some
portions of the property are presently zoned residential and surrounded by
residential homes.
The case is
scheduled to be heard El Cinco de Mayo, however the owner has asked for a
continuance given the recommendation to deny the A-2 zoning by the Village
Representatives and City Staff.
Residents of
Las Casitas Mobile Home Park approximately 50 families and other surrounding
residents will gather at Alkire Park located at 17th Ave and Pima Rd next to
Bethune Elementary School to let the City of Phoenix know that they agree with
the staff opinion to deny change of zoning to heavy industrial.
The City Plan
calls for moving toward residential in that area of the City. Yet, toxic
industries keep trying to expand the already impacted communities with more
toxic zoning.
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