see "Tempe Centerpoint towers in foreclosure" by Dianna M. Nanez Contributed by Catherine Reagor in the Arizona Republic on January 11, 2010.
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4/16/10
Tempe Centerpoint
Towers in foreclosure...
see "Tempe Centerpoint towers in foreclosure" by Dianna M. Nanez Contributed by Catherine Reagor in the Arizona Republic on January 11, 2010.
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see "Tempe Centerpoint towers in foreclosure" by Dianna M. Nanez Contributed by Catherine Reagor in the Arizona Republic on January 11, 2010.
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Former Condo-Conversion Free Rent
Not clear what the Doctor Ordered...
This is not a review of this particular Central Phoenix apartment complex of 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments but rather a commentary on the progression of the dizziness of the height of the real estate boom and condo-conversions from 2004 to the realization of the depth today in Phoenix.
Essentially this is a rather typical story of an apartment complex built in 1996 that 10 years later got caught up in the tail end of a condo-conversion craze driven by investors. Two bedroom, 1040-square-foot "condos" in this location were being sold for $230,000 in 2006. Currently they are being offered for sale between $52,000 - $70,000 and the the rental price of that same two bedroom unit unit today is $1040 per month. As can be seen in the photographs there are also "Free Rent" enticements since they have a low occupancy rate.
It is not clear what "Just what the Doctor Ordered!" means on the sign, except they do happen to be located within a mile of a major hospital, neurological center, surgical centers and large medical office buildings.
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The ratings reviews online currently range from "I am a little UNHAPPY with this business" to "Staff is HOT and Great." There are also complaints about insect infestation and the maintenance but to be fair and balanced it's also "...nice and well-maintained community." Truthfully, the comments lean more towards "stay away" than the almost manufactured sounding positive ratings.
The real point is this particular property is one example of a location Phoenix is literally littered with of similar complexes and situations. I will venture a prediction that within a year many of these places could possibly have lots of tenants, as it is well known that many people in the surrounding areas of Phoenix have stopped paying their mortgages, way beyond normal foreclosure action and banks have not taken action for whatever reason. It is unlikely that will last as banks are slowly beginning to take action.
It is simple economics of entry into what I see as a "Lost Decade" of stagnant economic activity. People who live in outlying areas, if they are employed, are likely to work in Phoenix and will not only be forced out of their homes but also unable to afford the future high cost of gas to commute. These complexes, in need of any kind of tenant and income to keep their properties out of foreclosure, will begin to rent to people moving in from the suburbs to be closer to work, regardless of credit history. In that sense it is economically logical and viable, filling the needs of both these property owners and the people who need affordable housing to raise the occupancy in any feasible way.
The social and political implications of this economic arrangement are yet to be determined. To read an interesting story written as the condo-conversion market was winding down, published in The Arizona Republic on June 16, 2006, see "Apartments turned into condos now a tough sell" written by Glen Creno and contributed to by Catherine Reagor. This complex is mentioned in the story.
Essentially this is a rather typical story of an apartment complex built in 1996 that 10 years later got caught up in the tail end of a condo-conversion craze driven by investors. Two bedroom, 1040-square-foot "condos" in this location were being sold for $230,000 in 2006. Currently they are being offered for sale between $52,000 - $70,000 and the the rental price of that same two bedroom unit unit today is $1040 per month. As can be seen in the photographs there are also "Free Rent" enticements since they have a low occupancy rate.
It is not clear what "Just what the Doctor Ordered!" means on the sign, except they do happen to be located within a mile of a major hospital, neurological center, surgical centers and large medical office buildings.
View Larger Map
The ratings reviews online currently range from "I am a little UNHAPPY with this business" to "Staff is HOT and Great." There are also complaints about insect infestation and the maintenance but to be fair and balanced it's also "...nice and well-maintained community." Truthfully, the comments lean more towards "stay away" than the almost manufactured sounding positive ratings.
The real point is this particular property is one example of a location Phoenix is literally littered with of similar complexes and situations. I will venture a prediction that within a year many of these places could possibly have lots of tenants, as it is well known that many people in the surrounding areas of Phoenix have stopped paying their mortgages, way beyond normal foreclosure action and banks have not taken action for whatever reason. It is unlikely that will last as banks are slowly beginning to take action.
It is simple economics of entry into what I see as a "Lost Decade" of stagnant economic activity. People who live in outlying areas, if they are employed, are likely to work in Phoenix and will not only be forced out of their homes but also unable to afford the future high cost of gas to commute. These complexes, in need of any kind of tenant and income to keep their properties out of foreclosure, will begin to rent to people moving in from the suburbs to be closer to work, regardless of credit history. In that sense it is economically logical and viable, filling the needs of both these property owners and the people who need affordable housing to raise the occupancy in any feasible way.
The social and political implications of this economic arrangement are yet to be determined. To read an interesting story written as the condo-conversion market was winding down, published in The Arizona Republic on June 16, 2006, see "Apartments turned into condos now a tough sell" written by Glen Creno and contributed to by Catherine Reagor. This complex is mentioned in the story.
4/15/10
No Planes, Just Trains and Automobiles
Traffic...
The reduction in traffic in central Phoenix in the past two years is dramatic and it's not because of the light rail, it's due to the Economic Crisis.
4/14/10
Exclusive to Sonora and Arizona
Where Saguaros grow tall...
Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) cactus grow only in the Sonoran Desert in the State of Arizona (US) and in the State of Sonora (Mexico) although they can be found in a small area of Baja California (MX) and California (US). It is correct when they appear in large groupings like this to refer to a Saguaro Forest. Most people born in the 1950s or earlier who have lived in the Sonoran Desert can recall when the current forests, especially in Phoenix and Tucson, were much more dense and thickly populated with saguaros. Saguaros live long lives and an adult saguaro is generally about 125 years old and the average life span is 150 to 175 years. There are some saguaros believed to live over 200 years.
They are quite common and not an endangered species but are protected by law in the State of Arizona from being harmed in any way.
In 2002 the Town of Oro Valley, intent on a road extension for La Canada Drive to accommodate development, moved a 200 year old, 40 foot tall, 40 ton saguaro. The removal is symbolic that the biggest threat to the Saguaro has been human population and development. This cactus was given a 10% to 70%
survival rate chance but saguaros are know to survive areas where the surrounding brush and grasslands were significantly burnt. I was unable to locate information on how that saguaro is faring.
Saguaros have night blooming flowers from April through May and the fruit matures around June. They are nesting areas for desert birds and the woody spine ribs were once used by the Hohokam in daily life. Tohono O'odham use the fruit for wine, jelly and candles.
Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) cactus grow only in the Sonoran Desert in the State of Arizona (US) and in the State of Sonora (Mexico) although they can be found in a small area of Baja California (MX) and California (US). It is correct when they appear in large groupings like this to refer to a Saguaro Forest. Most people born in the 1950s or earlier who have lived in the Sonoran Desert can recall when the current forests, especially in Phoenix and Tucson, were much more dense and thickly populated with saguaros. Saguaros live long lives and an adult saguaro is generally about 125 years old and the average life span is 150 to 175 years. There are some saguaros believed to live over 200 years.
In 2002 the Town of Oro Valley, intent on a road extension for La Canada Drive to accommodate development, moved a 200 year old, 40 foot tall, 40 ton saguaro. The removal is symbolic that the biggest threat to the Saguaro has been human population and development. This cactus was given a 10% to 70%survival rate chance but saguaros are know to survive areas where the surrounding brush and grasslands were significantly burnt. I was unable to locate information on how that saguaro is faring.
Saguaros have night blooming flowers from April through May and the fruit matures around June. They are nesting areas for desert birds and the woody spine ribs were once used by the Hohokam in daily life. Tohono O'odham use the fruit for wine, jelly and candles.
4/13/10
Picture of Me
Hiking Squaw Peak Nature Trail 304 to 8B...
My mother was co-leader and founder of the volunteer organization that built the early trails in this part of the park before the city started developing the park beyond the original Piestewa Peak trail. There are more trails now maintained by the city, I'm very proud of her volunteer work in the groundwork of the outlying trails.
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My mother was co-leader and founder of the volunteer organization that built the early trails in this part of the park before the city started developing the park beyond the original Piestewa Peak trail. There are more trails now maintained by the city, I'm very proud of her volunteer work in the groundwork of the outlying trails.
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Phippen Gallery: Gene Galazan Welded Scrap Steel Sculpture
In the high desert horses that have no name...
Gene Galazan welded scrap steel sculptures, of the Phippen Museum collection in Prescott, Arizona.
Gene Galazan welded scrap steel sculptures, of the Phippen Museum collection in Prescott, Arizona.
4/12/10
Five Years Ago
Death Takes A Holiday...
On August 29, 2005 I rolled this Jeep Wrangler over three times across several lanes of highway between Tucson and Phoenix at high speed. Lesson learned.
May 2005
This is what the Jeep looked like at the salvage yard where it had been towed.
September 2005
If I ever had any doubt that there is not some shroud of protection around me, this was another reminder of several I've had in my life, that there is a Higher Power watching over me.
This occurred midday as I was driving back from Tucson to Phoenix travelling in the left lane at the speed limit, 75 mph. I reached to the console to get my drink and slightly tilted the steering wheel to the left and the road pavement had a significant drop off onto the median. This is an area where the natural landscape is hard desert pavement. At that point I lost consciousness but I later learned I had over-corrected and flipped the Jeep over to the right three times across lanes of traffic with cars following behind me in all lanes. All I remember is coming to, strapped in with my seat belt, hanging half sideways and hearing voices and commotion outside. Now fully conscious, I was unable to free myself since most of my weight was strapped in by the seat belt and it wouldn't unlatch. I don't recall exactly how I did get out but I do remember a lot of discussion going on outside about whether I should move or not and whether people should stick around because "gas is spilling everywhere and this thing is gonna blow to kingdom come."
Somehow I got out and by this time the Gila River Indian Paramedics and the Arizona Highway Patrol had arrived. I was on the median, laying flat on my back, the paramedic asking me questions and I was answering everything affirmatively. The question that struck me as I was laying staring up in the bright sky and glaring sun was "Why are there helicopters buzzing around above me in the middle of nowhere?" They were air evac helicopters and I determined I was having none of that and said so.
Fortunately neither was the very proficient and excellent paramedic who assessed that I was amazingly relatively unharmed. I still needed to be transported to a trauma center, miles away in Phoenix, to be checked since I wasn't exactly unscathed. This was amazing because the eye witnesses, including the preacher who had been following me and stayed with me, described the incident as being spectacularly scary and dramatic to watch. Not quite so comforting were the people who were clucking they were surprised I "wasn't dead."
In the end I was transported by ground in a rather long, freeway traffic stopping trip to a trauma center in Phoenix. I was treated for a concussion and slight head injury and basically banged up and sent home every early the next morning. Now, that was truly amazing.
You see after reconstructing what must have happened, I was saved by the roll bar (which I hit my head and slammed the back of my right hand against) and the seat belt. I figured out what actually happened during my blackout by several letters from eyewitnesses kind enough to write and inquire about me, the Highway Patrolman who I happened to be acquainted with, the preacher, the accident report and injuries that showed up later. (I still have trouble with my right hand which I smacked the back of on the roll bar, a natural reaction, fracturing it which didn't become evident until a few days later.)
I believe because at the time I was aware enough to know that I had escaped a very close call and open to learning from it that lessons came in their time. It would make the story more dramatic if I said that I immediately made big changes in my life but that would be untrue. I have progressed a long way and I do believe this incident had a lot to do with my development to a better understanding and maturity but it was in a series of steps and small leaps. Life is more often like that.
On August 29, 2005 I rolled this Jeep Wrangler over three times across several lanes of highway between Tucson and Phoenix at high speed. Lesson learned.
May 2005
This is what the Jeep looked like at the salvage yard where it had been towed.
September 2005
If I ever had any doubt that there is not some shroud of protection around me, this was another reminder of several I've had in my life, that there is a Higher Power watching over me.This occurred midday as I was driving back from Tucson to Phoenix travelling in the left lane at the speed limit, 75 mph. I reached to the console to get my drink and slightly tilted the steering wheel to the left and the road pavement had a significant drop off onto the median. This is an area where the natural landscape is hard desert pavement. At that point I lost consciousness but I later learned I had over-corrected and flipped the Jeep over to the right three times across lanes of traffic with cars following behind me in all lanes. All I remember is coming to, strapped in with my seat belt, hanging half sideways and hearing voices and commotion outside. Now fully conscious, I was unable to free myself since most of my weight was strapped in by the seat belt and it wouldn't unlatch. I don't recall exactly how I did get out but I do remember a lot of discussion going on outside about whether I should move or not and whether people should stick around because "gas is spilling everywhere and this thing is gonna blow to kingdom come."
Fortunately neither was the very proficient and excellent paramedic who assessed that I was amazingly relatively unharmed. I still needed to be transported to a trauma center, miles away in Phoenix, to be checked since I wasn't exactly unscathed. This was amazing because the eye witnesses, including the preacher who had been following me and stayed with me, described the incident as being spectacularly scary and dramatic to watch. Not quite so comforting were the people who were clucking they were surprised I "wasn't dead."
In the end I was transported by ground in a rather long, freeway traffic stopping trip to a trauma center in Phoenix. I was treated for a concussion and slight head injury and basically banged up and sent home every early the next morning. Now, that was truly amazing.
You see after reconstructing what must have happened, I was saved by the roll bar (which I hit my head and slammed the back of my right hand against) and the seat belt. I figured out what actually happened during my blackout by several letters from eyewitnesses kind enough to write and inquire about me, the Highway Patrolman who I happened to be acquainted with, the preacher, the accident report and injuries that showed up later. (I still have trouble with my right hand which I smacked the back of on the roll bar, a natural reaction, fracturing it which didn't become evident until a few days later.)I came across these pictures and it made me think about how that incident was the beginning of my making significant changes in my life. There is much more to what actually happened but there are a lot of wrecks on the highway and lots of people who will tell you in explicit detail everything that happened. What is important is what we learn and usually it isn't in the form of an "Ah Ha!" moment immediately after. Truthfully it is only now, nearly five years after, that in hindsight I see the positive impact it had on my life.
I believe because at the time I was aware enough to know that I had escaped a very close call and open to learning from it that lessons came in their time. It would make the story more dramatic if I said that I immediately made big changes in my life but that would be untrue. I have progressed a long way and I do believe this incident had a lot to do with my development to a better understanding and maturity but it was in a series of steps and small leaps. Life is more often like that.To make this more intriguing, this is the third time I have had close calls with death. It is an indication to me that there is a reason I'm still here. To that point, I will defer to "we see through the glass darkly" and that some day I will know in full as I have been fully known.
(I drive another Jeep Wrangler now, this one with a removable hard top.)
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4/11/10
He Protests: "I'm Broke Because Of Congress"
"CONGRESS IS RUN BY CRIMINALS"...
Northeast corner of Camelback Road and 20th Street. Phoenix, Arizona on April 10, 2010
Actually I've been thinking Congress is "criminally insane" but I get his point. I'm not sure what his specific argument is but he gets significant support from traffic and people stopping to take his picture. He is very congenial.
Personally I feel the political class on all fronts, Congress, the Administration, political parties and the bureaucrats who run the arcane agencies of our government, have lost accountability. I find this unacceptable and it's unclear to me the resolution but I know I'm intent on figuring out my responsibility.
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
(attributed to Voltaie and widely quoted in similar forms.)
Think about our rights of speech and assembly, urban public space, movements for social justice and protest. Has public space been so secured to protect us from terrorism, that we have lost valuable rights? These issues affect both the political Left, the Right and everyone in between. Why do people who hold different positions think it's acceptable to mock each other when the other side speaks out, when in fact, we're all exercising US Constitutional and historical rights, now mitigated by courts and law? To mock is to belittle your own right to speak out.
Northeast corner of Camelback Road and 20th Street. Phoenix, Arizona on April 10, 2010
Personally I feel the political class on all fronts, Congress, the Administration, political parties and the bureaucrats who run the arcane agencies of our government, have lost accountability. I find this unacceptable and it's unclear to me the resolution but I know I'm intent on figuring out my responsibility.
"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
(attributed to Voltaie and widely quoted in similar forms.)
Think about our rights of speech and assembly, urban public space, movements for social justice and protest. Has public space been so secured to protect us from terrorism, that we have lost valuable rights? These issues affect both the political Left, the Right and everyone in between. Why do people who hold different positions think it's acceptable to mock each other when the other side speaks out, when in fact, we're all exercising US Constitutional and historical rights, now mitigated by courts and law? To mock is to belittle your own right to speak out.
I have a good friend who is Marxist leaning and polar opposite from me in economic, political and social beliefs but we made a separate peace a long time ago. It is based on respecting each others right to express what we believe out loud in public. How that plays out if it comes down to the nitty gritty, we will only know if it happens.
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