34 July 19 - Aug. 1, 2008
Opinion
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Community
Note
her’s
Commentary
A little Jazz in our lives
Downtown Chandler continues
Some of you may recall my column a few
positive redevelopment trend
months ago, dealing with the death of our
by Councilmember Kevin Hartke Moving just off the square to the
beloved cat, Oliver, at age 12. We all missed her
Having lived in Chandler for more north is the Chandler Center for the
a great deal, but I thought we were moving on
than two decades, I am intrigued with Arts, a facility that is planning for a
appropriately. Sure, I’d see Devon’s black tennis
the way the downtown continuously $4.2 million phased renovation; and
Photo by
LightRainImages.com
shoe at the door and for a brief moment, think
changes its look and feel. In the Chandler High School, with more than
it was her; or I’d hear what I thought was her late 1980s and 1990s, we saw a few $30 million in improvements in the
scratching in the kitty litter, only to realize it couldn’t be. changes with the development of past several years. The intersection
However, when I asked my husband and son if they were ready
the new office buildings on the east that ties these facilities to downtown
to get another pet, I was met with a surprising “no.” I let it go for
side of Arizona Avenue. But the rest also underwent a renovation that
awhile, asked again, and got the same answer.
of the main square went relatively widened the streets and created a
Being a cat person all my life, by this time I realized I missed
unchanged. In the latter part of fun little pocket park at the northeast
having a furry critter greet me at the door, sit on my lap and give that
the 1990s, some new restaurants corner of Chandler Boulevard and
and shops opened, facades and
unconditional love as most animals do. So, I had decided that after
Arizona Avenue.
colonnades were spruced up and the Heading south, Chandler’s City
our recent vacation, I was going to find a new cat and just bring it
appeal of the downtown again looked Hall will finally begin construction at
home.
promising. Chicago Street and Arizona Avenue
Then serendipity happened.
Somewhere in this timeline, I toward the end of the year. Chandler’s
Near the end of our vacation
found myself surprised by how much Historical Museum will be part of
in Prescott, a dear friend there downtown Chandler had changed. the complex that will also include a
told me she and her husband With new residential projects, a new Channel 11 studio and Council
had found a baby kitten in a
square brimming with galleries, Chambers. Serrano’s is also building
wood pile on their property.
shops and eateries and plans for a a three-story corporate headquarters
She showed me this tiny white
new City Hall that will include the in the vicinity, ensuring that one of
bundle of fur and energy with
community’s new museum, our City Chandler’s great pioneer families will
bright blue eyes and I melted.
core has an exciting future. At a recent remain a strong presence for many
meeting of the Downtown Chandler
They were already getting
years to come. And just to the west
Community Partnership, on overview of that, plans continue for a large
attached to the cat, but with
of Historic Downtown Chandler and mixed-use retail and residential
three dogs in their household,
STSN photo
its rich history really put things in development by Desert Viking, the
knew they couldn’t keep her.
SWEET MUSIC: Baby Jazz is the newest
perspective. company responsible for much of
She asked if I would take her.
addition to the Fagen-Hancock household. The original town site was mapped what has already been developed in
I told her my desire to have out in 1912 with some significant the downtown core.
another pet, and said I would convince my family that she should projects in the early years that And to the east, the Boys and Girls
come home with us. Suffice it to say that when I first brought up the
included the San Marcos Hotel Club is set to build a new facility
subject, after the initial “N-O, no more cats” the conversation quickly
(1913), the Bank of Chandler (1913) with more than $8 million in voter-
went to “so, we’re going from a black cat to a white cat?”
and the development of several other approved bonds. Finally, events like
Still sight unseen, next thing I know, Geoff has bought a little cat
buildings along San Marcos Place and the annual Chandler Jazz Festival
carrier, a furry bed liner, and a new litter box. And when he and our
Commonwealth Avenue (1920). Many and monthly Art Walks are also
of those historic buildings are still
son saw the baby kitten for the first time, they, too, fell in love with
bringing people downtown in record
standing and are home to businesses numbers.
her.
like La Stalla and El Zocalo’s So, it is easy to be excited for our
We brought her home with us and she quickly acclimated to
restaurants, di Sciacca Glassware and downtown in these times of constant
our house. We couldn’t decide on a name, and waited for the first
Sushi Eye in Motion. transformation. Downtown Chandler
vet appointment to make sure we had the correct sex. After all, it
The old Arrow Pharmacy building is a very special place. If you have
wouldn’t do to name a boy cat “Princess” or “Precious.” was refurbished and now holds several not experienced our City center lately,
Fortunately, she is a healthy girl, and despite concerns about new businesses including Light Rain it’s time to stop and see why the
white-haired, blue-eyed cats and deafness, she hears just fine, thank
Images, Latitude 8 Thai restaurant, enthusiasm remains high for our
you. She is a feisty little thing, who loves to play, run, jump up,
the Urban Tea Loft, Art on Boston historic community gem.
sideways and backwards and investigate everything.
and Uptown Bridal & Boutique.
Most of all she makes us laugh. And that’s when I realized we
missed our Oliver much more than any of us imagined. We missed
her companionship, her playfulness and her love.
Now we have “hours of entertainment” as “Jazz” brings smiles and
Long budget process nears end
laughter to us all, along with her contented purring, her tiny squeak
by Councilmember Matt Orlando the public was one of our most well-
of a “meow,” and those beautiful eyes looking at us so sweetly.
We are nearing the end of a very attended budget meetings in recent
We are so glad to have a little Jazz in our lives once again. long and difficult budget process for memory. The thoughtful comments
Thanks for all your support of the SanTan Sun News. the City of Chandler. The City’s fiscal we received that evening went a long
year begins each July 1, and staff has way in developing decisions about
Laurie Fagen, Editor/Publisher
been busy working on the current where to distribute funds.
Geoff Hancock, Advertising/Production
budget since the middle of last year. It has been a challenging ride
We took input from residents during given the shaky economic climate
a January public meeting, and the we find ourselves in. The good news
Council also added comments during is that this budget will not cut any
Have a story idea or news tip? Know of an interesting photo
a daylong review of the budget in April. programs or services to residents.
In fact, the session with members of Chandler is a community that
opportunity? How about positive feedback or constructive comments?
We’d like to hear from you. Email us at
News@SanTanSun.com. See Commentary Page 35
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