Tucson's 31st Historic District
P.O. Box 41243, Tucson AZ 85717 * April 1, 2022
For all previous editions of Jefferson Park newsletters CLICK HERE.
No 138Kv Poles thru Jefferson Park!- ACT NOW !
Mail or e-mail your concerns

HOW TO MAKE A STATEMENT. WHEN, WHERE AND HOW TO SEND YOUR COMMENTS: There's a public meeting to review the exception criteria (i.e. when TEP gets excused from undergrounding), and for you to provide comments and input. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6 at 6:00PM. It is a virtual meeting.

To join the meeting: Go to https://www.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/planning-commission. Click "Join Meeting" at the top of the page.

To comment:
  • no in-person attendance
  • Submit written comments by e-mail to PlanningCommission@tucsonaz.gov. Include the public hearing date, the title: UDC Amendments-Underground Transmission Line Relief C8-22-04, Special Exceptions, and your name.
  • Submit written comments by mail to Dept of Planning and Development Svcs, 201 N Stone Ave, 3rd Floor, T/A 85701,  Include the public hearing date, the title: UDC Amendments-Underground Transmission Line Relief C8-22-04, Special Exceptions, and your nameWritten comments must be received no later than 5pm Tuesday, April 5.
  • Speak at the hearing - first send a written request to Planning Commission@tucsonaz.gov by April 5, 5pm.   Include the hearing date, your name, and phone number you will use.
OVERVIEW:
  • FIRST: TEP was told that because of city ordinances they are required to underground on the Scenic and Gateway routes,. i.e. Campbell.
  • THEN: TEP came back asking for exceptions. The City Council told the Planning Commission to investigate the idea. On April 6, at 6 pm the Planning Commission will hold a virtual public meeting to present the proposed exceptions, and to gather feedback from you, the citizen.

The Undergrounding Coalition Committee suggests
  • That we can optimize our impact by focusing our outright opposition to four of TEP’s proposed criteria.
  • We support the addition of four new criteria along with amending TEP's proposed preface, the combination of which will place checks on the effects of all of TEP’s other criteria.

Here are the exceptions we should OPPOSE:
(TEP's language is in red, Steering Committee responses are in blue.)

12-d. An exception where - existing high-voltage transmission lines, vertical structures, or buildings in area that already compromise the viewshed. No (See the awful visual impact of the current doubling up of poles on Grant from Alvernon to Swan).

12-h. An exception where -Proposed transmission lines provide electrical service to critical customers where overhead lines are strongly recommended for specialized operations; examples include but are not limited to: provision of electricity to Davis Monthan AFB or other installations necessary to the national defense, hospitals, research facilities, etc. No. We object categorically that hospitals and research facilities would be considered in the same manner as military facilities. We also oppose overhead lines at hospitals and research facilities and remain neutral about Davis Monthan and military facilities. 
12-i. An exception where - Proposed overhead transmission lines, rather than undergrounded transmission lines on a particular route, would avoid undesirable aesthetic, viewshed, or other adverse impacts that would result from facilities being located on an alternative routeNo. (This criterion, if implemented as written, would convert gateway and scenic routes from being special routes the Code intends them to be, to being subsidiary to other routes instead).

12-k. A Special Exception request to relieve the requirement to underground transmission lines that meets the findings established by UDC section 3.4.5, Findings and which also meets criteria a, e, and g of this subsection is deemed to presumptively meet the required findings for approval. No. (There should always be full public review without prejudice of any proposed exception).

Here are the exceptions we should ADD:

The amended preface and four new criteria are as follows:

12. Transmission lines may be relieved of their requirement to be underground per UDC section 5.3, Scenic Corridor Zone (SCZ) or section 5.5, Gateway Corridor Zone (GCZ) in accordance with UDC section 3.4.3 Zoning Examiner Special Exception Procedure. In addition to the required findings of UDC section 3.4.5, the criteria for Special Exception consideration includes the following, with the understanding that an exception will be permitted only as long as none of the other following criteria are violated where the criteria are relevant:

ADD 12-l. The effects that can be expected from permitting any of the exceptions listed herein or any combination of those exceptions when added together must remain consistent with the overall purpose and integrity of the gateway/scenic route,unless it is technologically impossible and/or clearly financially cost prohibitive.

ADD12-m. Notwithstanding any of the above criteria, above ground transmission lines are not allowed in or alongside historic areas (as defined by or listed in the National Register of Historic Places, properties or districts, City of Tucson Historic Preservation Zones, City of Tucson Historic Landmarks, or Neighborhood Preservation Zones).

ADD12-n. Utility cannot obtain relief from Gateway/Scenic ordinances by routing through adjacent residential neighborhoods.

ADD 12-o. Any new above-ground utility that is permitted must be designed, constructed, and also maintained to be as unobtrusive as possible.

For a complete list of the exceptions see http://www.jeffersonpark.info/tep-138-kv-poles.html . For the history of the project and latest updates on the efforts to keep 138kV poles out of historic and residential neighborhoods, and off the Gateway routes in Tucson, see http://www.jeffersonpark.info/tep-138-kv-poles.html
What are the Safety Recommendations for Grant Road?
Tucson Department of Transportation and Psomas
answer questions about the Grant Road Safety Study
Thursday, April 14, 5:30 pm
 This is primarily an in-person at the Ward III office or you may attend the meeting by Zoom meeting with your questions. Join on your computer https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86361158126 
You should read the report before coming to meeting as it designed as "question and answer"
To read a copy of the Road Safety Report go to:
http://www.grantroadcoalition.com/20223-safety-study.html
Ward III has lifted the mask mandate, but we suggest, if you wish, wear your mask.
NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING - to Zoom or not to Zoom?
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Assn - Hybrid Meeting
Wednesday April 27, 6:00pm
What's a hybrid? - You may attend in person at the Ward III office or you may attend the Zoom meeting. For zoom link go to: http://www.jeffersonpark.info
Ward III has lifted the mask mandate, but we suggest, if you wish, wear your mask.
NOTE: If restrictions return we will notify you here.

To ask to be placed on the agenda: e-mail Laurel-Heather at trdswmn@cox.net
Volunteers Needed April 22,23 and 24
Cacti, flowers, herbs, and . Handpainted pots and containers. All will be available and if it is like last year come early as the sale goes fast!

This event supports neighborhood projects, the website, and the E-news. Chairperson: Laurel-Heather trdswmn@cox.net. if you are willing to help with the sale.
Louie's Bench - a reality
Thanks to all who have donated. The bench will be a lovely addition to the Trail.
We are really close with $2500 pledged to date. To donate to the cost of the bench you may use the Pay Pal button below (pay pal or credit card), or mail your donation to Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc, P O Box 41243, Tucson, AZ 85717
Friends of Jefferson Park, Inc is a 501c3. Your donation will receive a receipt for your records..
Property Tax Relief
Do you need help with property taxes or have questions about eligibility for property tax relief?

There are a variety of relief programs for those who meet the criteria, including a senior freeze, a disabled persons exemption, and a widow/widower’s exemption. In addition, there is information about the Pima County Assessor's Rapid Response Program, which will assist property owners that have suffered a catastrophic loss due to fire or flooding.

The 2023 Notices of Value were mailed out on February 23, 2022. The appeal deadline is April 25, 2022.

Complete information can be located on the website at https://www.asr.pima.gov or contact the Assessor's office at (520) 724-8630.
Paving Update
Repaving the western section of the neighborhood? The City hopes to start the project at the end of April or the beginning of May. However, all depends on bids, availability of contractors, and availability of materials, etc.
Remember!! The only way to get our roads repaired and fixed is for TDOT to hear from YOU! 
(520) 791-3154
MEANWHILE - Play street golf.
Parklet at Edison and Campbell Access Road
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 8:00 am, at the end of Edison at Campbell Avenue, we clean the parklet. Reminders are sent out on Google groups. Garbage bags and tools supplied. If you do pick up trash during the week, or just prefer to pick it up at a time of your choosing, please contact Joanne Osuna at cricket16@cox.net and your time will count. We report our hours to Tucson Clean and Beautiful as part of the Adopt-a-Park Program.
(JP Contact- Joanne Osuna cricket16@cox.net )
Need a Service? ...or want to recommend someone
Need a recommendation for a handy-person or a business? Go to

Would you like to recommend someone to your neighbors? Let Cricket know. cricket16@cox.net,
520-798-3602 - Help us keep the list accurate- report any retired/inactive numbers to the cricket.
Your Area Representatives at your service!
Every Area Rep would appreciate help distributing doorhangers or taking Welcome Packets to new residents. Give 'em a call!
Area Representatives

Area #1 - Mary Worthen, 520-323-1777 

Area #2 - Jon Heine, 520-321-4343

Area #3 Jeanne Calhoun

Area #4 - Erin Posthumus, 206-661-7765

Area #5 - Judy Janson, 520-370-1080
judyjanson17@gmail.com

Area #6 - Open
Cracked lids on blue or green barrels?
REQUEST A FREE REPLACEMENT TRASH OR RECYCLING BIN: Does not matter if it was stolen or is damaged- you can quickly and easily request a new trash or recycling can from Environmental Services at no charge. Either use the Recycling Coach app or call ES Customer Service at 520-791-3171 or contact ES online.
Wildcat Dumping - chairs, couches, furniture etc.
"Illegal dumping" includes leaving items at the curb, and it is a code violation. Furniture, trash, and yard waste left at the curb can be reported to Code Enforcement. Of course, you might want to try first, to politely ask the person to dispose of it or arrange to have it picked up. However, if you need to report illegal dumping, you can do so by calling 791-5843 or online at http://www.tucsonaz.gov/csd/violation/ 

Contact Ward III regarding wildcat dumping. You must report the address. Pictures if possible. (520) 791-4711 or email: ward3@tucsonaz.gov

If it is a CASA BONITA property, the office number is 520-398-5738. JP residents can call about a concern regarding any Casa Bonita property and their staff will take care of the problem.
(JP Contact-Joan Hall-joanchall@yahoo.com)
SAFETY TIPS - Illegal Gatherings in JP
HELP END DANGEROUS ILLEGAL GATHERINGS
1) Loud party calls should go to 911..
2) Additionally, if student-related, contact the UA Neighborhood Hotline to report concerns at 520-282-3649. Loud music/noise calls may be reported online: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/apps/crime-reporting/
For the red tag info sheet - CLICK HERE
(JP contact, for information: Colleen Nichols -cnichols17@cox.net) to see Flow Chart 
REPORT any time of day, any number of people, if unruly.

MONTHLY STATS: June- 0, July-0, August-1
September 1-Red Tag, 6 loud party calls - OOPS!
October 1-red tag, 4 loud party calls
November: 0-red tags, 3-loud party calls
December: 0-red tags, 2-loud party calls
January: 0-red tags, 1- loud party
February: 0-red tags, 0- loud party
SAFETY TIPS - TPD Brochures
TPD Incident Reports for JP
Police Incidences in Jefferson Park
To see the block/street that goes with each event,

TPD brochures to help you prevent crime: Senior Safety Tips, Lock it or Lose It, and Preventing Burglaries.
ReRuns....worth posting again
Community businesses - We appreciate you!
North American Powder Coating
Thanks for powder coating the history sign stands. The six signs are now installed in the Linear Park, celebrating the stories of Jefferson Park. Special thanks to owner Mark Barger.
ACE Hardware - Campbell Avenue.
Thanks for the new plastic plant pots. We shall be painting them for our Annual Spring Plant Sale. Thanks for helping make this fundraiser a success!
2022 Roll-offs and Brush and Bulky
Did you miss Brush and Bulky?
Roll-offs are here- March 17-21. What can you put in the containers?
2022 Roll-offs
Roll-offs: March - Thu., 3/17 - Mon., 3/21
May - Thu., 5/19 - Mon., 5/23
July - Thu., 7/28 - Mon., 8/1
October - Thu., 10/20 - Mon.,10/24
4 locations in JP: 917 E. Seneca, 1822 E. Lester St., 1850 N. Tyndall and 1740 E. Edison

2022 Brush & Bulky Week of 8/29/2022
Recycling- no more glass in the Blue Bins
LINKS AND CONTACTS
QUICK LINKS - City Services "Cheat Sheet"  has links, emails, and phone numbers to make it easier to reach anyone in the City based on your need.
Street Racing - Hear street racing, revving of engines, screaming of tires?
Report Racing vehicles and motorcycles:
Tucson's Mayor and Council voted recently to extend free transit fares through the end of the fiscal year. That means Sun Tran buses and the Sun Link streetcar will be free to ride through June 30, 2022. Riders can board through the rear door, and the federal mask mandate is still in effect for the transit industry. For more information, follow the link below.
Helicopter Noise/ Banner Hospital:
contact BUMC Security: 520-694-6533.
The Med Evac. flight path is south of Jefferson Park. No choppers should fly over Jeff Park residences. Report non-compliant flights to Banner - 520-694-6533.
Neighborhood contacts Contact-Joan Daniels jdchama@msn.com and Rosemary Bolza rbolza@me.com
Sorry to report
An uptick in mail theft in JP, and across the city. Collect your mail immediately.
Sign up for informed delivery.
Crime Reporting
Online Crime reporting: This link will take you to the TPD online crime reporting site. And if you’d like an officer to contact you even when you use the online form, you can make that clear when you file, too. 
In person: You can call Operations Division West front desk at (520) 791-4467, Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM, or you can stop by the substation located at 1310 W. Miracle Mile and file a report in person during the above listed days and hours of operation.  

POLICE/FIRE EMERGENCY - 911
​NON-EMERGENCY - 791-4444
​REPORT A CRIME ​88-CRIME - (882-7463)
Anonymously report suspicious activity/persons.

See the latest crimes in Jeff Park: nsn.soaz.info/incidents/zjefferson.html
See code violations in Jeff Park:  neighsupport.net/codevio/cezjefferson.html
Report an unruly gathering: Call 911  CLICK HERE to see Flow Chart 
TPD West Division: Operations Division West front desk at (520) 791-4467, Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM, or you can stop by the substation with questions/concerns, located at 1310 W. Miracle Mile. 

JP Community Resource Officer: Erin Peters
Email: erin.peters@tucsonaz.gov
Phone: 520-965-7670
LEND A HAND - Need help or want to volunteer?
CONTACT US (520) 248-6882
Lend A Hand Senior Assistance, PO Box 41323, T/A 85717-1323
COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA
If you are healthy and able, please help by volunteering to pack emergency food boxes. The Community Food Bank URGENTLY needs volunteers to keep operations running. Email volunteer@communityfoodbank.org to get started.
HOMELESS? If you find a homeless person, the City of Tucson has a protocol which brings TPD out to offer people options. The services they offer and how to report is described at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/hcd/Documents/Program_Policies_Procedures/City_of_Tucson_Homeless_Protocol_3.24.2021.pdf

HOMELESS OUTREACH TEAM - 520.837.7425
tpdhot@tucsonaz.gov
Emergency: 911
Recycling list

to read what can/cannot be recycled
Report Transportation Concerns: Is there a pothole you'd like to see fixed? Is a street sign missing? Is a tree limb hanging too close over a roadway or sidewalk?You can report these issues to the Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT), (520) 791-3154, or email the exact location to

Roach Control Hotline
Automated line, please provide requested information and staff will return the call
(520) 724-3401

Report Sewer Odors
(520) 724-3400
What is a code violation?And whom do I call? Download an information sheet approved by the City Code Enforcement Division
Dirty bus stop
Call (520) 792-9222 to report the location. You may also email SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov 
Include pictures if you wish. All requests will be documented by Sun Tran to ensure proper follow-up takes place.
Sun Tran:
Neighborhood Contacts & Resources
REPORT ISSUES WITH U of A 24/7 available (520) 282-3649

Neighborhood Resources: Recommended service Providers
Get on the the neighborhood list serve, send a blank email to jeffersonparktucson+subscribe@googlegroups.com 
or send a request for an invitation to joanchall@yahoo.com

Facebook: Jefferson Park Pet Lost animals, found animals etc  https://www.facebook.com/Jefferson-Park-Neighborhood-Tucson-AZ-Pet-Page-695645730464933/ 

Facebook: Jefferson Park: Interactive communications and neighborhood friendly posts https://www.facebook.com/groups/1595530767355038/
Your City Council Offices
The Ward offices publish weekly updates. Jefferson Park is in Ward 3; however, Ward 6 also puts out an informative newsletter, so both are worth a read!

WARD III
Kevin Dahl's newsletter: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3

1510 E Grant Rd., 85719 email: ward3@tucsonaz.gov
Another newsletter chock full of information!
WARD VI
Steve Kozachik's newsletter:
Pima County Board of Supervisor's Office
District Five Contact Info: Adelita Grijalva

Special assistant to Supervisor Grijalva: Nicholas McCullough, (520) 724-8764, Nicholas.McCullough@pima.gov 

Board of Supervisors Meetings:
Participate in the call to the public: Contact the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (520) 724-8449 Send in a written comment: email COB_mail@pima.gov
Editors' Note: This Constant Contact is sent only upon request and with permission. The editors, Joan Daniels, Erin Posthumus, Joanne Osuna , Colleen Nichols invite your comments.
Thanks to the editors who check and recheck the information we send out to our neighbors. If you see an error or have an addition, let one of us know.