Upgrading South Mountain Village

 

     Working in a research lab at Arizona State University at the West Campus, I met Erica Barraza one day as I was explaining to her about my long drive to South Mountain Village every Friday for the urban anthropology class.  All of the following information in this paper is based on Erica’s own vision of what is happening within her neighborhood. 

    Erica informed me she lives in a subdivision located between 7th Street and Baseline, so I requested an interview with her.  Both she and her mother moved there five years ago from another Phoenix home located between 35th Ave and Indian School Road.  They decided to buy a house in South Mountain mainly because of the beautiful view of the mountain itself.  Her mother hoped the elevation of the city surrounded by the mountains would also help her with her allergies due to the daily pollution.  White middle-class population mostly dominates the subdivision Erica lives in.  An article published in USA Today, “Whites lead residential boom in downtowns across America” in 2001 explains that the nationwide downtown residential boom is beginning to be dominated by the white population, and the decreasing trend of Hispanic and African American population in South Phoenix.  

     Erica and her mother have been enjoying the constant new growth of South Mountain Village.  The city has been busy trying to renovate this part of town.  Older run-down homes and vacant lots near 24th Street and Broadway have been purchased by the city and redeveloped into newer homes and businesses.  She mentions the city is very dedicated to keeping this town clean.  Trash and loose garbage are cleaned up as quickly as possible.  The subdivision they live in does not have a homeowners association, but the city keeps a close watch on all its residents.  The city’s maintained crew daily cleans up the landscape around the city by cutting the grass and trimming the trees.  Residents have been fined by the city for not keeping up with lawn maintains care, and after several warnings the job is done by the city and billed to the homeowners.  In an article written by Wilson in 1999 called, “South Phoenix area targeted for cleanup,” explains how a privately funded organization does up to six cleanups in a year around South Mountain Village.  The organization calls in over 300 volunteers from varies churches and schools to help clean up illegal dumping of varies items within the city. 

     Recently, a new grocery store opened up near Erica’s house, which made their former trip to another store, 30 miles away, almost ancient history.  She says she looks forward to bigger chains such as Wall-mart, Target, and Kmart coming to her town.  An article by Wingett in 2003 called, “Shopping center welcome addition,” further supports Erica’s and other local residents’ request for a shopping center.  Wingett writes, “The Target and other shops are expected to lessen grumbling from south Phoenix residents, who for years have complained of the lack of shopping in the area that forces them to drive to other parts of the Valley to spend their money.”  However, there are lots of mom and pop businesses stationed around, including family own restaurants and small shops.  Erica mentions the arrival of Applebee’s on 24th Street as one of the first major chain of restaurants that is getting lots of attention from the nearby residents. 

     As the new development of this town is attracting new residents, there are several disadvantages as well.  Acres and acres of orchards filled with oranges are slowly disappearing to make space for newer subdivisions of homes.  In “Citrus stands brace for end,” by Wingett and Beard they explains, “The end of citrus business resulted from the necessary expansion of Baseline Road by widening the streets, adding sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus shelters, “ The Arizona Republic March 15th, 2003.  Home prices are slowly increasing and buying a home in South Mountain is becoming less affordable for the lower-class population.  As Reagor and Hart explain in “Affordable housing scarce,” “a survey of experts lists barriers to affordable housing as: expensive or limited land, lack of infrastructure, low wages, lack of jobs, and zoning,” The Arizona Republic April 19th, 2002.  Even though the prices of homes are still cheaper than other surrounding cities, the land nearer South Mountain Park is getting to be more expensive.  More and more gated communities are popping up and the homes are getting larger in size, which is increasing the prices of new homes. The location of South Mountain is a big attraction due to a ten-minute drive to downtown where the majority of the residents work.  Another disadvantage is that the buy-out of the older homes and businesses (rented, run-down homes and apartments) may leave lots of renters and residents out on the street.  As developers begin buying out acres and acres at a time, many people are being forced to move out to other poorer neighborhoods.

     As South Mountain Village begins its transformation processes, Erica and her neighbors are looking forward to the wonderful changes within their community.  The location of the newer neighborhoods has isolated residents from the more upgraded surrounding areas.  Nevertheless, newer and bigger chains of businesses, stores, and restaurants are moving into the newer neighborhoods, but not without the cost and the devastating lost of the older ones. 

 

 

References

bulletReagor, Catherine and Hart, Bill.  April 19th, 2002.  Affordable housing scarce. Low income, high payments in Arizona a problem, reports says.   The Arizona Republic. 
bulletUSA Today.  May 7th, 2001.  Whites lead residential boom in downtowns across America.
bulletWilson, Lisa.  Dec. 10, 1999.  S. Phoenix area targets for cleanup.  Youths groups could use help from residents. The Arizona Republic.
bulletWingett, Yvonne and Beard Betty. March 15th, 2003. Citrus stands brace for end.  The Arizona Republic.     
bullet Wingett, Yvonne.  May 5th, 2003.  Shopping center welcome addition. South Mountain Village lacking in retail.  The Arizona Republic.
Bahl's Home Page   Contact: Irina.Bahl@asu.edu