Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Cinco de Mayo Demonstration Against Toxic Zoning in Phoenix

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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