Log in

Remley: District 4 Newsletter — September

Posted

Construction will be starting very soon on the relocation of the Gaines Park Youth Baseball Field.

This project is grant-funded and will be completed in phases as funding is received. The first phase will consist of the ball field and associated fencing, plaza area, sidewalks, restroom and both on street parking and off street temporary parking.

There will be two ADA parking spots on Nash Street. This phase of the project is projected to be complete early/late spring 2021. fall 2021, the parking lot is anticipated to be completed and field lighting installed. For more information, please feel free to contact the Parks and Recreation office at 623-222-2000.

Community Resources

St. Mary’s Food Bank needs volunteers. Help is needed Monday-Friday, from 7:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with most help being needed between 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Volunteers are needed to help pack the Kids Café Meals. If you are interested in scheduling a group of friends, family or co-workers, of five or more, please contact smarez@firstfoodbank.org. The St. Mary’s Food Bank is located at 13050 W. Elm Street.

Surprise CARES Housing Mortgage Assistance

On July 13th, the Neighborhood Services division launched the Surprise CARES Housing Stability program to assist Surprise residents who have experienced a loss of income directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents needing assistance with mortgage payments are encouraged to visit the participant portal on the city’s website to apply. For more information, please call the Surprise CARES Housing Hotline at 623.222.1640.

Rental & Utility Assistance Available Now!

The Surprise/El Mirage CAP office at the Surprise Resource Centr has received a significant amount of federal CARES Act funding to help residents with rent and utilities who have been impacted by the pandemic. We have expanded our capacity to serve more individuals and families who are eligible, so call our HOPE line today at 623-222-HOPE (4673). Due to the pandemic, eligibility has expanded to serve families with higher incomes, up to 300% above poverty level. (Example - family of 4 is eligible if their gross monthly income is $6,550 or lower). Bilingual staff are ready to help.

Additional Resources

The City of Surprise and its community partners have many resources available for those that need help. The Surprise Resource Center can help with rent, utilities, benefit and employment services, and can be reached at 623-222-1600. The Surprise Senior Center offers a Hot Lunch Program, which provides FREE meals. Please note, you must call two days in advance to order a meal for pickup at 623-222-1500. The Society of St. Vincent De Paul can help with food, rent and utility assistance. The helpline for The Society of St. Vincent De Paul is 623-975-5617. In addition, The Salvation Army offers a FREE breakfast drive thru Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. for seniors, and those that are food insecure. They also offer food boxes. The Salvation Army is located at 17420 Avenue of the Arts, Surprise, AZ, and can be reached at 623-977-1084. The Dysart Community Center, located at 14414 N. El Mirage Road, offers a free food drive through Monday-Friday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Benevilla HOME Services Program is a FREE program for seniors that assists with things such as getting groceries and running errands. The phone number to reach Benevilla HOME Services is 623-584-4999. Hope Women’s Center provides bill and utility assistance to help support women and children and can be contacted at 623-875-4549. Please also remember that St. Mary’s Food Bank is located on 13050 W. Elm Street and Valley View Food Bank is located on 10771 W. Peoria Avenue.

Residential Waste Cleanup Event

The City of Surprise Residential Waste Cleanup Event will be held on September 12, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northwest Regional Landfill, located at 19401 W. Deer Valley Road. Surprise residents can dispose of one load of residential waste, up to 2,000 lbs at no cost. Proof of residency is required, and no hazardous waste will be accepted.

Council Meeting Schedule

The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting is September 15 at 6 p.m. The City Council Chambers are currently closed to the public, but Council meetings are broadcast live on Surprise TV at www.surpriseaz.gov/surpriseTV. Cox channel 11 and Century Link 8513 also carry the meetings live. Check the agenda, when posted, for instructions on public comment.

Please note, City Hall will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

District 4 Community Meeting

My monthly Community Meetings are typically held on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock St. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to conduct face-to-face meetings, but I look forward to meeting again when we are able. Please check the city website at www.surpriseaz.gov/ for updated information on my meet and greet schedule. Please call or email me in the meantime with any questions or concerns you may have.