ARIZONA NEWS

Judge denies Phoenix’s ask for stay on ruling to clean up the Zone with appeal pending

May 1, 2023, 3:00 PM | Updated: 3:09 pm

(Google Maps Screenshot)...

(Google Maps Screenshot)

(Google Maps Screenshot)

PHOENIX — A Maricopa County judge has rejected Phoenix’s request to put an order to clean up the Zone homeless encampment on hold while the city appeals the ruling.

Judge Scott Blaney said that Phoenix didn’t establish good cause for a stay on the March 27 ruling that required the city to devise a plan to clean up the Zone and carry it out as soon as possible.

“The Court issued the preliminary injunction based, in part, upon the city’s past failure to address the issues in the Zone, as well as the city’s apparent lack of intent to do so until faced with possible judicial intervention,” Blaney said.

The initial lawsuit was filed on behalf of area residents and business owners that argued the city has been ignoring its responsibility to maintain the area and enforce laws there.

Phoenix has acknowledged the homeless problem downtown and said it had plans to improve conditions at the tent-filled area around the Human Services Campus, a collaboration of partner organizations that provide services to people experiencing homelessness at 12th Avenue and Madison Street.

Phoenix’s action plan includes new shelter space, enhanced cleaning and relocation options.

They will have to demonstrate that it has taken steps to improve conditions at a July 10 bench trial.

Rachel Milne, director of Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions, has said the Zone is one of the city’s top priorities.

About 900 people camp outside the HSC nightly, according to Milne.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Bitcoin scam...

KTAR.com

Arizona man charged with defrauding local physician out of $207,000

A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Fountain Hills man Jeremie Sowerby for wire fraud and transactional money laundering.

2 hours ago

Hans Schmidt, 26, was shot on the corner of 51st and Peoria avenues while he was preaching about at...

KTAR.com

Video released of moment when Glendale preacher shot on street corner

Police have released video of the moment a Glendale preacher was shot on a street corner last month.

3 hours ago

Sheep cross a wildlife overpass in this file photo from Federal Highway Administration....

Kevin Stone

Arizona gets $24M federal grant for wildlife overpass, fencing on I-17 south of Flagstaff

Arizona was awarded $24 million in federal funding for a project designed to make travel safer for motorists and wildlife along Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff.

4 hours ago

Global Credit Union Arena at GCU...

Damon Allred

GCU Arena to be renamed Global Credit Union Arena following rights partnership

GCU and Global Credit Union have agreed to a multi-year deal, renaming their arena Global Credit Union Arena at Grand Canyon University.

6 hours ago

caution tape across police car...

KTAR.com

Motorcyclist dies after crash with vehicle in Phoenix

A motorcyclist died after a crash with a vehicle in Phoenix on Monday night, authorities said.

7 hours ago

Renderings of the exterior and interior of the Hale Concert Hall, which is set to open in January 2...

Kevin Stone

Hale Centre Theatre opening concert hall in downtown Gilbert in 2024

The Hale Centre Theatre is opening a music venue next month, bringing another entertainment option to downtown Gilbert.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

(KTAR News Graphic)...

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

...

Dierdre Woodruff

Interest rates may have peaked. Should you buy a CD, high-yield savings account, or a fixed annuity?

Interest rates are the highest they’ve been in decades, and it looks like the Fed has paused hikes. This may be the best time to lock in rates for long-term, low-risk financial products like fixed annuities.

...

SCHWARTZ LASER EYE CENTER

Key dates for Arizona sports fans to look forward to this fall

Fall brings new beginnings in different ways for Arizona’s professional sports teams like the Cardinals and Coyotes.

Judge denies Phoenix’s ask for stay on ruling to clean up the Zone with appeal pending