A disturbing crime led residents in a central Phoenix neighborhood to demand the city close their alleys. They’re getting their way, but they have to pay for it.
It angered and scared people in the Royal Palms Neighborhood. Last year, a man walked into an alley near 15th and Dunlap avenues, hopped a fence and exposed himself to children playing in their backyard.
Residents teamed up, talked to city leaders and got Phoenix to create a one-year pilot program in their neighborhood. If the full council approves, Royal Palms will cover the cost to install six-foot gates to close six alleys.
Trash collection will move from the alleys to curbside, a lead resident will be provided keys for the gate locks and access will be provided 24/7 for utilities and emergency crews.
“It really is a concept that will help neighbors in their particular neighborhood,” he told the housing subcommittee. “But, it’s dependent upon a group of committed neighbors to make it work and help be kind of the eyes and ears because the city’s not going to be back there to make sure it’s maintained.”
Staff told subcommittee members that after Mesa conducted a targeted pilot program, it decided to gate all alleys across the city which covers roughly 80 miles. Phoenix estimates its alleys cover 320 to 400 miles.
Mesa installed chain-link fences at no additional cost to residents. While Phoenix residents are covering the gate costs in the pilot program, Councilwoman Deb Stark said the city will explore possible funding options should the voluntary program become permanent and available citywide.
Staff will report back to the housing subcommittee in about six months to share data about crime and illegal dumping in alleys. The pilot program could then move into the Sunnyslope area if residents want it.
