By Brenna Goth | The Republic
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has rejected Phoenix’s attempt to sidestep an Arizona law that negates efforts to turn Roosevelt Row into a branded district downtown.
The ruling issued this week follows about a year-and-a-half of controversy over a proposal to tax property owners in the growing area of shops, galleries and restaurants. The money would pay for extra services like beautification and marketing.
Judge Daniel Kiley sided with the state in a lawsuit filed by the city that sought to determine whether a new law changing how business-improvement districts are formed statewide applied to Roosevelt Row.
Phoenix Spokeswoman Julie Watters said in an email that the city is disappointed by the ruling and is evaluating next steps.
