This map shows where a north Chandler alley dust control project is taking place. A federally grant-matched program helps cities like Chandler put down a pavement-like chip surface in unpaved alleys, typically found in older parts of the city.
A federally grant-matched program helps cities like Chandler put down a pavement-like chip surface in unpaved alleys, typically found in older parts of the city.
The Chandler City Council greenlighted one of the next steps, at its March 27 meeting, toward reducing the dust in and near those alleys.
Most of the alleyways in an older-built north Chandler area have a mixture of dirt and gravel surfaces that create dust from vehicles.
John Knudson, the city’s public works and utilities director, told the council the EPA regulates air particulates. There is a grant-funded program meant to help with dust reduction program by applying a hard surface of millings in alleys.
The item approved by council March 27 allows city staff to buy narrow strips of land within existing alleyways, at appraised value, to help complete the project. The strips are located along three alleys in a neighborhood east of Alma School road and north of Galveston Street.
“As of next year, we will have completed all 104 unpaved miles of Chandler alleys as part of the EPA’s PM10 program,” Knudson said.
Knudson said the city’s dust-reduction project is in coordination with the Arizona Department of Transportation the city.
Workers will install crushed asphalt millings in various alleyways within four separate north-Chandler areas identified on a map.
“When a subdivision was platted, alleys are sometimes left out,” Knudson explained. “In order to qualify for grant funding, the city must do some environmental studying, and must prove it owns all property involved.”
A staff report states the project is completely federally funded and the funds for acquisition of property “have been provided for in the project.”
Knudson compared alley maintenance to “painting the Golden Gate bridge” in terms of a citywide effort that takes so long, by the time it’s done, it’s time to start again. He also said his department will ask the council soon to approve purchase of a slurry tanker truck to be used to maintain city parking lots and alleys.
Vice Mayor Christine Ellis asked if there’s more the city can do to prevent trash, debris and wayward people out of city alleys.
Knudson points out that unlike some other Valley cities, much Chandler trash service involves pickup of containers put in alleyways. Not to mention, he said, every utility from cable companies to water and sewer and electricity often have lines, meters and/or utility boxes only accessed through alleys.
“So, we can’t really close off or lock up an alley, because of the utilities and trash trucks,” he said. “I think (alleys need) elevated patrols and lots of care and maintenance. Our right-of-way guys and solid waste do a great job reporting.”
Jason W. Brooks News Editor | Chandler Independent
Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.
Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.
Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.
Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.
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