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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Tempe, AZ
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Arizona State University Tempe Campus in Tempe to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Tempe, AZ is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Tempe. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Eisendrath House in Tempe, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Tempe.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Tempe, AZ
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Desert Marigold Senior Living of Tempe in Tempe for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Tempe, AZ, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Tempe?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Rio Salado Park in Tempe. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Tempe, AZ, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Birchett House in Tempe, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Tempe restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Tempe, AZ, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Tempe, AZ
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Tempe, AZ, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Top of the Rock Restaurant in Tempe. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Tempe rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Tempe, AZ
2 restaurants have closed on Mill Avenue in Tempe
Tirion Boanhttps://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/2-restaurants-on-mill-avenue-in-tempe-have-closed-20744783
We're in the midst of our End-of-Year fundraising campaign, and we have until December 31 to raise $15,000. Our work is funded by readers like you who make voluntary gifts because they value our work and want to see it continue. If you value our work, please make a contribution today to help us reach our goal.Contribute NowProgress to goal$15,000$3,900Share this:Audio By Car...
We're in the midst of our End-of-Year fundraising campaign, and we have until December 31 to raise $15,000. Our work is funded by readers like you who make voluntary gifts because they value our work and want to see it continue. If you value our work, please make a contribution today to help us reach our goal.
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Tempe's Mill Avenue experiences frequent turnover. Businesses move in and out as the crowds of students from the nearby Arizona State University campus ebb and flow throughout the year. But recently, two Mill Avenue restaurants have shuttered.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop served its last customers on Dec. 8, and a day later, Bang Bang was officially served a Notice of Retaking Possession. Here's what to know about the latest spots to leave Mill Avenue.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Casual Baja-style Mexican food destination Fuzzy's Taco Shop has closed its Mill Avenue restaurant. According to a sign posted to the front gate, the restaurant closed at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8. The restaurant's phones and online ordering have both been shut off.
"Thank you, Tempe, for all the great years with us here on Mill," the sign reads in part. "You can still have our great food at Fuzzy's Taco Shop in Gilbert."
Fuzzy's served all-day breakfast, tacos, nachos, quesadillas and giant margaritas in a bright and colorful space located just south of Third Avenue. It is part of a national chain that started in Texas. The Gilbert restaurant, located on Williams Field Road, is now the only remaining location in Arizona.
Bang Bang Tempe
Bang Bang
Sushi restaurant and nightclub hybrid Bang Bang has closed on Mill Avenue. A sign posted to the door shows that it might have been less than voluntary.
As of Dec. 9, "the landlord retook possession of the premises," the notice says. The action was taken "as a result of a default by tenant under the terms of the lease."
The Asian-fusion restaurant, bar and electronic dance club is originally from San Diego, where it first opened in 2013. In Dec. 2023, it opened in Tempe, on the corner of Mill Avenue and Fifth Street. But now, after almost exactly a year, the flashy spot is no more.
Microchip's closing of Tempe fab: What to know about impact on 500 workers
Russ Wileshttps://www.azcentral.com/story/money/business/2024/12/06/microchips-closing-of-tempe-fab-how-will-it-affect-500-workers/76800555007/
Metro Phoenix is growing into a major hub for the production of semiconductors, which are used to power all sorts of electronic devices, from cell phones and computers to aircraft and power plants.But the local industry will take a hit, as Microchip Technology plans to close a chipmaking factory or “fab” in Tempe in an effort to cut inventory, reduce expenses and adjust its manufacturing capacity to meet customer orders. The closure was announced in early December by Steve Sanghi, the company’s longtim...
Metro Phoenix is growing into a major hub for the production of semiconductors, which are used to power all sorts of electronic devices, from cell phones and computers to aircraft and power plants.
But the local industry will take a hit, as Microchip Technology plans to close a chipmaking factory or “fab” in Tempe in an effort to cut inventory, reduce expenses and adjust its manufacturing capacity to meet customer orders. The closure was announced in early December by Steve Sanghi, the company’s longtime former CEO who has come out of retirement on an interim basis to guide the corporation.
Microchip expects to have the Tempe fab closed by around September 2025. Here are answers to more questions regarding this move:
Question: Who is Microchip Technology?
The Chandler-based company is one of the largest and most valuable corporations headquartered in Arizona. Microchip’s stock-market value or worth on Wall Street has fallen but still hovers around $32 billion. Only a handful of other local corporations including copper-miner Freeport-McMoRan and Scottsdale trash hauler Republic Services are larger.
Where is the Tempe factory or fab located?
It’s in an industrial area on the west side of the city at 1200 S. 52nd St., not far from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Is this Microchip’s only chipmaking fab?
No. The company has similar plants in Oregon and Colorado, and in other nations. Of the three U.S. facilities, the Tempe fab is the smallest at 388,000 square feet. Size and potential CHIPS and Science Act funding made it the more likely candidate for closure.
In other words, Microchip has preliminarily qualified for $162 million in federal grants under the CHIPS Act but those funds, if the company takes them, were destined to expand production and employment at the Oregon and Colorado plants.
Is there a chance Microchip might not accept $162 million in federal money?
Yes. Interim CEO Sanghi said the company already has more manufacturing capacity than it can use. At an investor conference at the Phoenician hosted by UBS this week, Sanghi said the company has tabled CHIPS Act negotiations with the government.
He also vowed a rigorous top-to-bottom review of company operations over the next 90 days, with an aim of getting costs better aligned with revenue. The review will look at ways to pare Microchip’s bloated inventory, re-evaluate its supply chain, reconnect with key customers and more.
How many people work at Microchip’s Tempe fab, and what will be their fate?
The company expects 500 employees there will be affected, of the roughly 2,300 workers that Microchip has in the state. Sanghi said affected workers will be offered positions at other Microchip facilities but he expects only about 15% will accept. That means more than 400 could face layoffs down the road.
Incidentally, Microchip ranked 74th in this year's Republic 100 special report on largest nongovernmental employers.
Is Microchip profitable?
Yes, but the company’s financial performance has declined sharply from prior years. For example, Microchip said it earned a profit of $207 million over the first six months of the current fiscal year through Sept. 30. That's down from $1.33 billion over the same six-month period last year. Sales slumped about 47% over the same stretch.
Is this the only stumble lately for chipmakers in Arizona?
Actually, no. While Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. continues to get its massive north Phoenix complex ready for commercial production early in 2025, Intel Corp. also is facing financial problems and recently announced 385 layoffs at its fab complex in Chandler.
However, Intel did recently qualify for around $7.9 billion in CHIPS Act grants to support that operation and those in other states, and it plans to accept the funding.
Reach the reporter at russ.wiles@arizonarepublic.com.
Phoenix and Tempe reach agreement on plans for land near Sky Harbor
12news.comhttps://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/phoenix-and-tempe-end-feud-over-development-near-sky-harbor-rio-salado-priest-coyotes-faa/75-5aafeff1-0211-4eae-bec1-a48a9c8fd944
The cities have amended their 30-year-old agreement to resolve lawsuits while making way for development with restrictions.PHOENIX — A dispute over land development between the City of Phoenix and the City of Tempe has now been resolved.The cities disagreed over what could be built on land near Priest and Rio Salado Parkway, citing a 1994 intergovernmental agreement between Tempe and Phoenix. Now, the cities have agreed to an addendum to that agreement.RELATED: ...
The cities have amended their 30-year-old agreement to resolve lawsuits while making way for development with restrictions.
PHOENIX — A dispute over land development between the City of Phoenix and the City of Tempe has now been resolved.
The cities disagreed over what could be built on land near Priest and Rio Salado Parkway, citing a 1994 intergovernmental agreement between Tempe and Phoenix. Now, the cities have agreed to an addendum to that agreement.
RELATED: Phoenix mayor doesn't support using taxpayer funds for Coyotes arena
The 46 acres of land was slated to become an entertainment district housing a new Coyotes arena before voters rejected it in May 2023.
Weeks before that vote, the City of Phoenix sued Tempe arguing multi-family housing wasn't allowed to be built there based on the 30-year-old agreement because of noise from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and concerns that residents who lived there would sue.
"We receive federal funds, and one of the things we guarantee to our federal government is that we will try to protect the airport," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told 12News. "People have tried to shut down airports near their homes, and so that's why the FAA really pushes us to protect the airport from new residential development. So we were fulfilling our obligation to the federal government."
Tempe filed a counterclaim, according to a report prepared for Tempe City Council, arguing Phoenix also violated the agreement.
That started what Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said was a months-long journey to get to the addendum in which Tempe agrees to not have any single-family homes on the land, requires any multi-family housing on the land to be rental only, and have noise insulation, in addition to other requirements.
"If someone is really feeling they can't sleep, they'll have an easier way to be able to move so we feel like Sky Harbor can continue to grow," Gallego said.
In the amendment, Tempe cannot oppose the long-term plan for the airport, including a new terminal. However, Phoenix agreed Tempe could object to any proposed fourth runway at Sky Harbor.
"We've worked very hard to get something that will settle these lawsuits," Woods said. "It will allow both communities to move forward in their best interests, along with continuing to work as community partners."
As for what will become of the land, Woods said an analysis and remediation of the site is needed.
"We're going to work together with our community and city staff to figure out what might be the best thing to go on that property because clearly, it's not going to remain the way that it is in perpetuity," Woods said.
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Phoenix, Tempe deal could bring apartments to land once sought for Coyotes arena
Phoenix Business Journalhttps://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2024/12/05/phoenix-tempe-flight-path-multifamily-deal.html
Phoenix and Tempe city councils have both unanimously approved measures that clear a path for apartments to potentially be built on a 46-acre piece of land in Tempe once considered for an arena for the Arizona Coyotes hockey team.During a Dec. 4 meeting, Phoenix City Council approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement between the two cities regarding noise mitigations and flight procedures. Tempe City Council had already approved the measure at a Nov. 21 meeting....
Phoenix and Tempe city councils have both unanimously approved measures that clear a path for apartments to potentially be built on a 46-acre piece of land in Tempe once considered for an arena for the Arizona Coyotes hockey team.
During a Dec. 4 meeting, Phoenix City Council approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement between the two cities regarding noise mitigations and flight procedures. Tempe City Council had already approved the measure at a Nov. 21 meeting.
Going back to 2022, the two cities were at odds over the Coyotes' proposed mixed-use development, which would have been anchored by a 16,000-seat arena to be used by the now-defunct NHL franchise. The proposed development also included 1,600 luxury apartments.
Phoenix claimed that by allowing apartments to be built on the site, which was near the end of a runway at Phoenix-owned Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Tempe was in violation of a 1994 agreement between the cities.
Phoenix even filed a lawsuit in 2023 asking a judge to stop the development from going forward. The proposed Coyotes development, which Tempe Council initially approved, went to a public vote for residents and was defeated. Team owner Alex Meruelo then set his sights on a different parcel of land in north Phoenix for the new arena, but failed to get the deal done, resulting in the sale of the team to new owners in Utah.
Tempe officials still had their eye on developing the city-owned land on the northeast corner of Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway, just south of the Salt River, so it worked with Phoenix to come to a compromise.
“We have had different interpretations of the terms of this agreement,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said during the Dec. 4 Council meeting. “We were considering legal action, and I’m thrilled that we have avoided that.”
The agreement allows for new residential units to be built in the area close to Priest Road and near the river, but it can’t be single-family residences. The units can only be apartments that can be rented, according to city documents.
“This compromise will end the lawsuits and provide new clarity for both cities," Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said during his State of the City address on Dec. 4.
Tempe agreed to require any residential uses to have noise insulation installed before being occupied. In return, Phoenix agreed to end its legal action against Tempe.
The city of Phoenix had been concerned that if residences are built in the area, the new tenants would complain about being located close to where planes land and take off at Sky Harbor, possibly resulting in lengthy and costly lawsuits. Another concern was the possibility that it could force Sky Harbor to change how it operates.
“We positioned ourselves in a position where the city of Phoenix and Tempe are both protected, and we protected that economic engine that is Sky Harbor Airport,” Jeff Barton, Phoenix’s city manager, said during the Dec. 4 meeting.
The city of Tempe has not announced any formal plans to begin development of the city-owned land, which is currently a landfill, but Woods has made it clear that he would be interested in developing it into something that has more benefit to the city. The new agreement would apply to any future developments in that same area near Sky Harbor.
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Tempe becomes latest city with ‘strict enforcement’ of homeless camping ban
David Bakerhttps://www.azfamily.com/2024/12/03/tempe-becomes-latest-city-with-strict-enforcement-homeless-camping-ban/
TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — The city of Tempe announced on Tuesday it is cracking down on people who are illegally camping in the city.Officials said in a news release that the city is implementing “strict enforcement” of its urban camping ordinance due to the June ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that cities can ban homeless people from sleeping outside.The jus...
TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) — The city of Tempe announced on Tuesday it is cracking down on people who are illegally camping in the city.
Officials said in a news release that the city is implementing “strict enforcement” of its urban camping ordinance due to the June ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that cities can ban homeless people from sleeping outside.
The justices said citing people for urban camping is not cruel and unusual punishment.
“When a person makes a major investment to start a small business or to move to a city like that, their expectation is the city is going to enforce the laws,” Danny Seiden, the president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, said regarding the ban. “We pay taxes, we expect the city to show up when we call, to clean up nuisances, to get dangerous people off our houses.”
Tempe passed its urban camping ban in 1997 and updated it in 2018. The ban makes it illegal for anyone to use public property as housing, including pitching tents or building shelters.
It also bans activities like making fires and putting down bedding for sleeping.
“Most people with the status of “homeless” are not there because of their choice. They would much rather have other choices," Robert McWhirter, a Constitutional law expert, said.
Those violating the ordinance will be offered outreach services and given a warning. After that, they will be cited for a class 1 misdemeanor.
“I mean let’s be real, it incentivizes measures to sweep this problem under the rug. That’s the point. People don’t like seeing homelessness and homeless people,” McWhirter said.
According to the most recent Point In Time Count, there are 266 homeless people in Tempe, a drop from 396 in 2020.
Tempe is just the latest city to crack down on homeless people camping.
Phoenix approved an ordinance banning camping near schools and parks in May and it went into effect in September.
Last month, Surprise passed an ordinance that banned sleeping in public places.
On Monday, the Mesa City Council, in a 7-0 vote, approved an ordinance that outlaws urban camping on all city property.
The moves also come as Arizona voters passed Proposition 312 in November, which allows property owners to apply for a refund from cities and counties if they are not taking care of illegal camping, loitering, public consumption or other nuisances.
“One thing they cannot do is treat them like they don’t exist. There is nothing humane about that,” Seiden said. “We want one, to respect people’s private property, encourage investment, and with that comes tax dollars that goes to things like treatment, that goes to things like transitional housing and allows people to donate and be more charitable.”
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