< Previous163RD AVENUE & JOMAX ROAD INTERSECTION (Phase 2) CACTUS ROAD (PERRYVILLE ROAD TO 175TH AVENUE) THE CITY WORDED THE TRANSPORTATION BOND QUESTION TO STATE THAT WE ARE NOT LIMITED TO THESE PROJECTS. could mean more projects Incoming Development Current condition Surprise requires residential and commercial development projects to construct half-street improvements adjacent to their project. If the transportation question is approved, the City plans to widen the streets named in the bond prior to development to reduce traffic congestion. The City will then assess a lien on the applicable property for the cost of their required road improvements. Since the bond projects will be completed within five-years, development may occur prior to the City improving the road. In this instance, based on funding, the City will chose an additional segment of road to improve. This project will widen the intersection to three lanes in each direction along 163rd Avenue, two lanes in each direction along Jomax Road, adding dual left turn lanes from 163rd onto Jomax in both directions, and providing drainage improvements. GOAL: To improve traffic flow and reduce wait times at the intersection. This project will construct two lanes in each direction and a center turn lane along Cactus Road between 175th Avenue and Perryville Road. Currently, Cactus transitions from four- lanes down to two-lanes between Perryville and 175th. This project would widen the roadway to a consistent four-lane cross section and provide infrastructure for current and future traffic signals. GOAL: To alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic flow to and from the neighborhoods, local schools, the future Fire Station 309 and City of Surprise Aquatic Center; also to provide another complete east/ west corridor that supports the overall city transportation system. Rendering TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS 10 surpriseaz.gov | Fall 2023 Public Safety Projects A new fire station is proposed to be designed and construct- ed on land located in the northwest area of the city. At ap- proximately 16,000 square feet, the station will consist of four parking bays that will initially house an Engine Company. FIRE STATION 310 3 PROJECT COST $34 M T HE CITY HAS IDENTIFIED THREE PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECTS THAT WILL HELP TO MAINTAIN CURRENT LEVELS OF SERVICE AND RESPONSE TIMES THROUGHOUT THE CITY. THE PROJECTS WILL BE LOCATED IN NORTHERN SURPRISE WHERE THERE IS HIGH GROWTH, BUT WILL BENEFIT THE ENTIRE CITY, AS RESOURCES ARE CURRENTLY PULLED INTO THAT AREA FROM OTHER AREAS OF SURPRISE. GOAL: To support the immediate area and reduce or maintain the coverage areas of the city’s current fire stations. This may result in faster or maintained response times to emergencies and improvements to the efficiency of the overall public safety system. Fall 2023 | surpriseaz.gov 11Public Safety Projects The police department has identified a need for its first police substation. The project will be constructed in the northwest area of Surprise to accommodate approximately 60 police officers and administrative police personnel. GOAL: POLICE SUBSTATION LAND FOR FUTURE PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES To improve coverage, maintain service levels and response times, and allow for greater visibility in and communication with the community. This project will provide funding to purchase a large parcel of land in northern Surprise to build a fire station and future pub- lic safety facilities. As the city and the Fire-Medical Depart- ment grows, future plans for the land may include a regional support center, regional public safety training center, indoor/ outdoor firing range for training and fire administration. GOAL: To prepare for future city growth and increased demands on the city’s public safety departments. 12 surpriseaz.gov | Fall 2023 The debt assumed from G.O. Bonds is paid back with a secondary property tax. No tax rate increase is expected if voters approve both ballot questions. The current rate is $0.3880 per $100 of assessed limited property value, which is expected to stay the same. This is due to significant residential and commercial growth across Surprise. GET MORE INFORMATION AT surpriseaz.gov/2023Elections THE TWO G.O. BOND QUESTIONS WILL BE ON THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 SPECIAL ELECTION BALLOT. All eligible voters will receive a ballot in the mail even if they are not signed up to receive ballots in the mail since this is an election in an odd numbered year. Voters may cast a replacement ballot at an in person voting location if the mailed ballot was lost, spoiled, destroyed or not received. On-site ballot replacement voting will begin on October 30 at Surprise City Hall in the Community Room. OCTOBER 10 OCTOBER 11 NOVEMBER 7 IMPORTANT DATES: The City has four Bond Election meetings planned in October, and the community is invited to attend. This is a great way to learn more about the projects and get your questions answered. ELECTION INFORMATION Last day for voter registration Ballots mailed ELECTION DAY (Polls open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.) NO TAX RATE INCREASE EXPECTED COMMUNITY MEETINGS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 | 6 P.M. Surprise Regional Library 16089 N. Bullard Ave. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 | 6 P.M. Sonoran Heights Middle School Library 11405 N. Greer Ranch Pkwy. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25 | 6 P.M. Sun Village, Kachina Ballroom 17300 N. Sun Village Pkwy. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 6 P.M. Asante Library 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr. OCTOBER 30 In-person ballot replacement voting begins Fall 2023 | surpriseaz.gov 13 Fall 2023 | surpriseaz.gov 13ARTS, CULTURE & LIBRARY SURPRISE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM NEWS & IMPROVEMENTS ‘SURPRISE PUBLIC LIBRARY’ MOBILE APP • Add your library card to the app so you can use your phone instead of your card! • Search the catalog, place holds, renew items and check the status of your items. • Use the camera to scan the barcode of ANY book ANYWHERE to see if we have a copy in our collection! ACCESS MORE THAN BOOKS WITH YOUR LIBRARY CARD • Creative Bug: Stream thousands of arts & crafts classes like knitting, jewelry, kids crafts, home, party and more! You can even download patterns, templates and recipes. • Libby & Hoopla: Download and stream eBooks, audiobooks, music and multimedia! ‘WORDS ON WHEELS’ – A HOMEBOUND DELIVERY SERVICE With a new six-month pilot program, library patrons who are homebound can request to have books delivered to their residence, and the items will be picked up four weeks later. Limited to one delivery per month. Call 623.222.2901 for more information and to get signed up. AUTO-RENEWAL FEATURE Books are now set to auto-renew up to five times before the item is due as long as there are no holds placed on the item by other patrons. SURPRISEPUBLICLIBRARY.GOV 14 surpriseaz.gov | Fall 2023 Lunchtime Theater Arts HQ Gallery - 16126 N. Civic Center Plz. A musical and theater performance program presented in partnership with the West Valley Arts Council, showcasing Arizona talent. Attendees are welcome to bring lunch. October 12 | Noon - 1 p.m. Q’iru Duet: Latin American Music November 9 | Noon - 1 p.m. John Fitzsimmons: The Comedy Trickster December 14 | Noon - 1 p.m. West Valley Chorale: Holiday Favorites Ticket reservations required at westvalleyarts.org/theater or 623.584.2626 Open seating begins at 11:30 a.m. LIBRARY EVENTS See all events and get more info at surprisepubliclibrary.gov/Programs Moon & Stars Week | October 14 - 21 All three libraries are celebrating with fun celestial programs. Star Party | October 21 Asante Library Gaze at the night sky with West Valley Astronomy Club’s telescopes on International Observe the Moon Night. Halloween Tale Trail | October 27 Surprise Regional Library An interactive experience featuring costumes, candy and storytelling. Howl-o-Ween | October 28 Asante Library Who says Halloween is just for kids? It is also for your furry four-footed friends! Mayor’s Literacy Challenge | Dec 1 - March 1 Get ready for a challenge and stay tuned for how to win a pizza party for your class! (Grades 1 - 4) Winter Reading Program | Dec 1 - February 1 Summer Reading is over, but the fun hasn’t ended! Read through winter break with the Winter Reading Program. Sign up at the library, then log your minutes to win prizes for all ages. ‘One More Step’ Exhibition at City Hall November 6 - December 15 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Artwork from young adult art students from One Step Beyond, a local non-profit serving individuals who have intellectual disabilities. The artwork ranges in the different mediums taught in their programs. Q’iru Duet: Latin American Music ARTS & CULTURE EVENTS See all upcoming events and get more info at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsCulture Events at City Hall 16000 N. Civic Center Plz. ‘Arizona Plein Air Painters’ Exhibition August 25 - October 27 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Statewide fellowship of artists who paint outdoors. This ADAP Members Show Features paintings from 30+ artists that document and celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Arizona landscape. AZ Speaks - “Dia de los Muertos Storytelling” by Zarco Guerrero October 25 11 a.m. - Noon Register: surpriseaz.gov/artssignup Día de Los Muertos is a day when homage is paid with prayers, offerings of food and the building of altars to those who have gone before us. Join Zarco and his unique masked characters as they celebrate Day of the Dead with hilarious and moving storytelling. Howl-o-Ween Fall 2023 | surpriseaz.gov 15PICTURE THIS, you’re strolling along a walkable streetscape with family and friends enjoying a fall evening. Now envision popular retailers, restaurants and entertainment at Surprise City Center's Elm Street. That’s what is coming to the 70,000-square- foot mixed-use development on the southeast corner of Bell Road and Bullard Avenue near City Hall and Ottawa University. Surprise has long coveted a place to gather –a place to call downtown. Finally, we have a glimpse at the future, as Scottsdale-based developer SimonCRE has teamed up with Surprise Center Development Company to unveil the branding and even new tenants for our pedestrian- friendly destination. Tenants confirmed for the first phase include California-based burger chain Farmer Boys, national chain Mission BBQ, Italian restaurant Osteria Mia, Café Zupas, Better Buzz Coffee Roasters and Salon Lofts among retail stores, entertainment and office spaces. The first phase of the development is already 62% pre-leased, with construction slated to start by the end of September and a projected completion date of the end of 2024. Also coming to City Center – The new four-story Marriott Springhill Suites is at the final stages of development at Elm Street and 144th Avenue. ii i i CITY COUNCIL APPROVED THE ZONING of more than 75 acres for a mix of retail and commercial development near the southwest corner of 163rd Avenue and Pat Tillman Boulevard, extending down to Grand Avenue. This new corridor is called ‘Asante Trails’ and will create synergy with the Fry’s Marketplace and retail center to the north. Conceptual site plans submitted by the developer show a range of uses that may include restaurants, shopping, spas and childcare, as well as retail office uses such as medical and financial services. Closer to Grand Avenue, there are about 60 acres next to the highway corridor intended for uses that serve the greater region and may include a hospital and medical care, employment and professional offices, flex uses, hospitality, retail and dining and other public services. An additional 26 acres will be residential rental cottages that offer single-story residences with one to three bedrooms and private backyards. iiii Coming to other areas of North Surprise... Apex Network Physical Therapy, Great Clips, Noble Nails & Spa Christ's Church of the Valley - North Surprise (Website says “Coming this fall”) Barros Pizza, Jersey Mike's, McDonald’s, Taco Bell i Surprise City Center: 16 surpriseaz.gov | Fall 2023 WeRIDE Surprise Gives Riders Access to More Places! The WeRIDE Surprise microtransit program has been embraced by residents as a great low-cost option for getting around parts of the city. As demand for rides and locations continues to grow, the City has worked to extend service times and areas. The service is available an hour earlier, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, allowing commuters to connect with Valley Metro Bus Route 571 to downtown Phoenix. The City also added a square mile to the service area. New virtual stops can be found from Bell Road to Greenway Road and from Reems Road to Loop 303. The new stops give residents access to several restaurants and fast-food options, shopping locations like Sam’s Club, and medical care facilities like Banner Urgent Care. View the service zone map and virtual stops at surpriseaz.gov/WeRIDE. BOOKING A RIDE IS EASY »WeRIDE app (Apple App Store & Google Play) »By phone: 623.777.4330 »Online: surpriseaz.gov/WeRIDE Low fares & discounted rates »$2 per trip »Discounted $1 fare for seniors over 60, students with valid school ID, veterans and persons with a disability »Free for children 12-years-old and under (with a fare-paying guardian) Fares can be paid using the WeRIDE app with a credit/debit card or paid to the driver with exact cash. + Public Transportation Options The City offers several other public transportation options in partnership with Valley Metro. Park & Ride / Valley Metro Bus Route 571 The City's Park & Ride is located on Bell Road, just east of Grand Avenue. Park free and take a Valley Metro bus to downtown Phoenix weekdays at 5:50 a.m., 6:15 a.m., and 6:30 a.m. (effective Oct. 23), with stops at 129th Avenue and Thunderbird Road, 2nd Avenue and Van Buren Street and Adams Street and 18th Avenue. Trips back to Surprise run at 4:08 p.m., 4:38 p.m. and 5:09 p.m. from 18th Avenue and Jefferson with stops at 3rd Avenue and Van Buren Street and 129th Avenue and Thunderbird, before ending at the Surprise Park & Ride. Valley Metro Paratransit A paratransit transportation option for seniors age 65 and above and certified ADA riders who need trips greater than seven miles. ADA certified riders can book medical and work trips anywhere in Maricopa County within 3/4 of a mile from a bus route for $4 per one-way trip. The service operates daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Same day service is not available. Reserve by calling 602.716.2200 (TTY 602.716.2118). Valley Metro RideChoice A transportation option offering local trips for qualified seniors age 65 and above, veterans or ADA certified people. Book and ride 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The fare is $3 for each trip (up to eight-miles). $2 for each additional mile. To check for eligibility or sign up, call 602.716.2100 (TTY 602.251.2039) and select the RideChoice option. Learn more about all of the City’s public transportation options at surpriseaz.gov/PublicTransit. Surprise Fall 2023 | surpriseaz.gov 17Xeriscape Garden tours are back Goodbye, summer heat! It’s time to enjoy the beauty of our Xeriscape Demonstration Garden again. Join us on the first Saturday of the month to learn more about creating a beautiful arid landscape using native and desert-adapted plants! PRACTICING A LOW WATER-USE LIFESTYLE CAN HELP STRETCH OUR LIMITED DESERT WATER SUPPLY – AND SAVE TIME AND MONEY! WORKSHOPS October 7 Plant Propagation | 10 - 11 a.m. October 21 Irrigation Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Repair 9 - 10:30 a.m. October 28 Plants for Pollinators | 9 - 10 a.m. Join our Water Resource Management team to learn easy ways to enhance your landscaping and garden while being water conscious. G A R D E N T O U R S WORKSHOP & TOUR REGISTRATION & LOCATION To register for a workshop or sign up for a tour, visit surpriseaz.gov/WaterWorkshops Check-in for all workshops and tours at the Water Education Center, 16126 N. Civic Center Plz. HAVE A GARDEN OR LANDSCAPE QUESTION? Visit the Master Gardeners during their regular office hours on Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Water Education Center. October 7 | 9 - 10 a.m. November 4 | 9 - 10 a.m. December 2 | 9 - 10 a.m. 18 surpriseaz.gov | Fall 2023 18 surpriseaz.gov | Fall 2023 To learn about other City and partner social service resources, visit surpriseaz.gov/ResourceCenter The holidays can place a more prominent spotlight on our local families in need. However, we know that the offer of help cannot be limited to just a season. Across Surprise, year-round, the City works with local partners to create opportunities and provide resources to help our community. Looking to make a difference? Salvation Army Food Boxes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at 17420 N. Avenue of the Arts. • Thanksgiving Boxes available November 20 - 22 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. St. Mary’s Thanksgiving turkey & food box drive-up event is happening November 20 and 21 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and November 22 from 8 - 11 a.m. • Christmas Boxes available December 18 - 22 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Christmas Angel Program helps to provide gifts to children aged 16 and under who may otherwise not receive a gift this holiday season. Eligible families must apply in person at the Surprise Salvation Army and must currently live in Surprise, El Mirage, Peoria, Youngtown or Whittman. New Housing Assistance Center The Salvation Army counts on volunteers to help serve a full holiday meal at 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. If you would like to volunteer, call 623.977.1084. Donations of food items are needed to make these meals successful. Drop off meal items, including frozen turkeys and hams, to the Surprise Salvation Army at 17420 N. Avenue of theArts. St. Mary’s Food Bank counts on volunteers for their drive-up turkey and food box distribution before Thanksgiving. If you would like to volunteer, call 602.343.5631. Donations are also needed to make this event a success. Last year, it served almost 3,000 families, and the need is expected to be the same this year. GIVING THE GIFT OF HOPE Over the summer, the City, along with the non-profit organization A New Leaf announced the opening of the West Valley Housing Assistance Center at 12779 W. Grand Ave. This amazing resource offers seven apartment-style units and provides short-term shelter of up to four months to families facing homelessness and housing insecurity. Each unit is furnished, and meals are offered three times per day at an onsite cafeteria. In addition to the new housing units, A New Leaf operates a resource center on the same site. The center is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and offers support services, including employment and transportation assistance and connections to additional community resources. Families in need should call the West Valley Housing Assistance Center at 623.850.5611 or email WVHACinfo@turnanewleaf.org Fall 2023 | surpriseaz.gov 19Next >