By Betty Reid | The Republic | azcentral.com
A northwest Phoenix area is ready to move to its next chapter after a two-decade slide into blight.
The city council on March 19 unanimously approved the North Mountain Redevelopment Area plan, which will shape a 2,500-acre site over a decade. The plan outlines a set of goals and strategies for land uses, upgraded infrastructure and public transportation to the area, roughly 10 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix.
The redevelopment area stretches into several council districts. Metrocenter mall is its high-profile landmark.
When the council designated the area a blight using state laws in February 2013, it asked residents, businesses and other stakeholders what they would like to see it become. The council asked for economic development, light-rail extension, such recreational amenities as swimming pools, college campuses and a cleanup.
