DSNA Meeting Minutes: September 2025

Call to Order: 7:05pm

Attendance/Introduction Question: Christy Stewart, Thomas Stellini, Dianne Kandt, Johanna Hernandez (Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development), Ann Chanecka (Housing and Community Development), Sky Jacobs, Alison Miller (Housing and Community Development), Aliyah Cardenas (Ward 1 Office), Evren Sonmez(Housing and Community Development), Jazlin Ladriere (Pima County Representative), Kiana Neocoechea, Margaret Shultz (Worker Power), Maxie Alder, Moses Thompson, Natasha Winnik, Noemie Despland-Lichtert, Sean Wilcox, Karen Greene, Tesa Mayorga, Lincoln, Brendan, Raquel Mogollon (Worker Power), Jacob Hardy, Dustin Daley

Changes/Approval to Previous Month’s Minutes: Approved

Treasurer’s report: $520.77

Change: No Changes

Announcements (External and Internal) Pima County Update - Jazlin Ladriere, the Pima County representative for District 5, shared that Supervisor Cano plans to attend the next in-person meeting in October, or in January if there's a conflict. Supervisor Cano's priorities include early childhood education, affordable housing, and healthy economic development. Jazlin emphasized the county's commitment to community engagement and addressing concerns quickly.

Prop 414 - Moses presented on Prop 414, a ballot initiative for a TUSD override. This override would allow the district to exceed its state budget by up to 15% to provide pay raises for all staff, lower the counselor-to-student ratio, and place a PE teacher in every elementary school. Moses explained that TUSD is currently the only district in the Tucson metro that has not passed an override, and the initiative would add about $17 per month in property taxes for the average TUSD homeowner.

Ward 1 Glasses - Karen updated us about progress on a $10,000 grant aimed at providing glasses to Ward 1 residents. The program will involve a form or email submission for residents to confirm residency, and they will pay $10 for screening and two pairs of glasses, with the grant covering the remaining cost. Treasurer Stepping Down - Natasha has decided to step down as treasurer of the neighborhood association effective immediately.

Discussion

11th Ave/1st Street Housing Project - Johanna Hernandez, Deputy Director for HCD over development, provided an update on the housing project at the northwest corner of 1st and 11th Avenues. Johanna noted that efforts towards development have been ongoing since 2004, but recent staffing of the development arm is helping move projects forward. A dedicated owner's representative is in the process of being awarded to manage the project, which will target 8 to 16 affordable housing units, primarily at 80% AMI or lower, and will be placed in a land trust operated by EPD, the city's nonprofit development arm. The project aims to conform to neighborhood design guidelines and zoning, capitalizing on its location near public transportation. Johanna committed to sharing the RFP for the general contractor with the neighborhood for feedback before it is released for procurement.

Stone/Speedway Development - Johanna also announced a new development project at Stone and Speedway, funded by a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant. This project will likely feature 120-130 mixed-income units, with a minimum of 20% market-rate units. Johanna stressed the importance of early community engagement and invited input on public art, open space, signage, and exterior colors. They have several upcoming community engagement events, including at Cyclovia, a Thrive in the '05 meeting, and community meetings in November and January, along with popup events in December. Natasha asked if they had seen the existing neighborhood design guidelines created for the Stone and Speedway lot, which they had not but we were able to supply them on the call.

WorkerPower Letter - Karen sent background via the email list. Raquel and Margaret gave an update about the opposition to Moxie Hotel. It’s not about stopping the project, it’s about signing on to oppose tax dollars being given to developers. The project is under consideration for a $4.8 million state sales tax rebate and a 25-year property tax exemption. Motion to vote called and 10 Yes, 2 No, 1 Abstain. Motion Passes to write a letter.

2nd St and 11th Ave Traffic Circle - Brendan reported that the city approved a traffic circle at Second Street and 11th Avenue, following overwhelming neighborhood interest. The city also confirmed the project's feasibility, including traffic flow and utility checks. The neighborhood voted unanimously (13 Yes) to support seeking funding for the traffic circle and agreed to write a letter of support for funding applications.

Reports From The Field

A. DNARC (Downtown Neighborhoods and Residents Committee) - No Updates
B. Downtown Links - No Updates
C. Dunbar Coalition - No Updates
D. HFAC (Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition) - No Updates
E. Stone/Speedway - See above update
F. 11th Ave/1st st housing project - See above update
G. WAMO (Warehouse Arts Management Organization) - No Updates

For The Good Of The Cause - Future Topics

No Topics

Adjourn: 8:15pm