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PHOENIX — Neighborhood citizens gathered with government officials and Flood Control District of Maricopa County (District) staff on Thursday, October 18, to dedicate the recently completed 10th Street Wash Improvement flood control project in the Sunnyslope area of Phoenix.
The $5 million joint effort between the District and the City of Phoenix has eliminated an earthen, open wash channel, covering it with a landscaped, shared-use path system for area residents. The flood control benefit of the project removes 84 homes and commercial properties from a floodplain in the vicinity of 10th Street between Alice Avenue and the Arizona Canal Diversion Channel (ACDC). A system of underground pipes and box culverts will convey the stormwater of up to a 100-year (one percent annual chance) rainstorm downstream to the ACDC.
The project is the last stage of a comprehensive flood mitigation project in progress since the 1997 completion of the 10th Street Wash Basins north of Alice Avenue. The quality of life for area residents has been enhanced with the removal of the hazardous, deep open channel which previously split the neighborhood. Residents had complained of loitering and drug activity in secluded areas of the old wash. The new tree-lined pathway creates an aesthetically pleasing environment with fewer areas for crime and blight.
Maricopa County District 3 Supervisor Andy Kunasek led the dedication ceremony, which included words from District 3 Phoenix Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten and Ray Acuña, City of Phoenix deputy street transportation director. Kunasek was encouraged by the united neighborhood and the fact residents in the area could save money on flood insurance. "Projects like this really build a bond between governments," he said. "This is something that has wisely used taxpayers dollars for the greater benefit."
Two plaques placed along the pathway are in memory of the late Betty and Paul Bellanger, longtime Sunnyslope-area residents. Ms. Bellanger devoted herself to fighting crime, blight and graffiti in the neighborhoods surrounding the 10th Street Wash. Ms. Bellanger, who passed away in 2006, was instrumental in coordinating the efforts between the New Northtown Neighborhood Association and Phoenix officials to make the project a reality. Councilwoman Bilsten spoke of how Ms. Bellanger was much admired by city officials. "Betty had such sincerity and passion. She did the things many of us only want to do," said Bilsten.
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