Metrocenter Demo

 How a new Arizona law has slowed Metrocenter Mall redevelopment in Phoenix

Betts said construction financing should close by mid-August with demolition to begin by the end of the month. It could take 10 months because of asbestos removal.

He said the Metrocenter Mall’s two-story design provides an opportunity to have levels within their walkable urban village concept. After demolition and grading, water and sewer lines will be installed, and a public park should be built before construction begins.

“So this will be a two-year endeavor before you're able to see the village come out of the ground,” Betts said.

Todays Thought

Appealing to tribe, appealing to fear, pitting one group against another, telling people that order and security will be restored if it weren’t for those who don’t look like us or don’t sound like us or don’t pray like we do, that’s an old playbook. It’s as old as time. And in a healthy democracy it doesn’t work. Our antibodies kick in, and people of goodwill from across the political spectrum call out the bigots and the fearmongers, and work to compromise and get things done and promote the better angels of our nature. 

-Barack Obama, 44th US President (b. 4 Aug 1961)

Todays Thought

I asked a man in prison once how he happened to be there and he said he had stolen a pair of shoes. I told him if he had stolen a railroad he would be a United States Senator. 

-Mother Jones (Mary Harris Jones), schoolteacher, dressmaker, organizer, and activist (1 Aug 1837-1930)

Todays Thought

Kind words, kind looks, kind acts, and warm hand-shakes, -- these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting their unseen battles. 

-John Hall, pastor (31 Jul 1829-1898)

Todays Thought

I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste. 

-Marcel Duchamp, artist (28 Jul 1887-1968)

Todays Thought

So long as men worship the Caesars and Napoleons, Caesars and Napoleons will duly rise and make them miserable. 

-Aldous Huxley, novelist (26 Jul 1894-1963)

Todays Thought

Hatred is the most accessible and comprehensive of all the unifying agents. Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a God, but never without belief in a devil. 

-Eric Hoffer, philosopher and author (25 Jul 1902-1983)