'Development should not displace or erase': Phoenix designates International District
An International District, similar to Mesa's Asian District, is coming to Phoenix as the city tries to spruce up a segment of Camelback Road and protect residents against gentrification.
The area between Seventh Avenue and Interstate 17, bounded by Campbell and Missouri avenues is home to "a diverse mix of international culture and ... a variety of unique micro businesses," but it has also struggled with vacant properties, theft, vandalism and perception problems, according to a city-commissioned study prepared by Urban Land Institute of Arizona.
Residents in the area are concerned about displacement as they watch rapid growth surrounding them in downtown and at Grand Canyon University, the study says.
Phoenix officials, local businesses and the Arizona Asian Chamber of Commerce want to solve those problems by creating a "cultural hub" that "fosters excitement for a more diverse quality of life," according to the city.
The city's plans for the International District include hosting cultural events, finding temporary uses for empty spaces, using art to "create inclusive communication" and branding the area to elevate pre-existing features of the community.
Ceremonial signage is in the works, according to Phoenix spokesperson Athena Sanchez.
Councilwoman Laura Pastor, who represents the area and helped lead the effort, said she was excited to "provide access to cuisine from around the world, and be a place for families to come together."
The Camelback light rail corridor includes restaurants with Vietnamese, Persian and African cuisine. The residents are linguistically diverse, with 20 different languages spoken, according to the U.S. Census, and 47% speak a language other than English, according to the city study.
The International Rescue Committee in Phoenix says 43 of the 110 businesses in the corridor are refugee or first-generation immigrant owned.
Alongside social and artistic efforts to strengthen the area and reduce crime, Phoenix officials also plan to solicit proposals for city-owned properties that "return value to the neighbors." One idea includes using such land for homeownership opportunities. Another is to create a community garden.
The city-commissioned report includes other reuse ideas, such as hosting micro retail markets at 19th Avenue and fostering more pedestrian-friendly land uses.
The revitalization effort comes as Phoenix experiences rapid population growth along with rising rents and a shortage of affordable housing.
ULI's report says, "The alignment of development and investments should not displace or erase what makes the corridor exceptional."
Pastor said she was, "excited to see how the effects of creating a diverse, welcoming community will ripple outward to support a culture of unity and acceptance for many years."
Taylor Seely covers Phoenix for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Reach her at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or by phone at 480-476-6116.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix brings International District to West Camelback Road
