Walkability--Is SC "walkable" What could be done to increase its walkability?

Just received the good news about the sidewalk addition below. I have waited yrs. for this one. Walking south down 103rd and crossing Grand will finally be easier and safer! Hello Cocos, hello NY Bakery!
103rd Avenue Sidewalk Connectivity Project
Posted: July 15, 2013
Starting 7/15, MCDOT contractor will begin installation of a continuous sidewalk along the west side of 103rd Avenue (between Santa Fe Drive to US 60/Grand Avenue).

 

Will traveling down 103rd be a problem during construction?

Are you really willing to walk across Grand?
Hopefully the light will stay green longer for pedestrians.

 

Just how much disruption is questionable. I get updated McDOT mailings via email and they usually list if there are actual road closings, so you can check at website
http://www.mcdot.maricopa.gov/home.htm but didn't notice that wording for this project. Just some lane narrowing and minor inconvenience, but no actual road closing.

Yeah, walking across Grand is not the most pleasant of experiences, but thanks to recent improvements, it is getting safer. I went to our SCHOA Transportation Committee a few times with some recommendations and have been pleased with some of the responses. Certainly had put in my two cents for Grand crossings, esp. at 103rd and 107th by Fry's. They worked very quickly changing the crossing buttons at 103rd and Thunderbird since they hadn't been at a wheelchair accessible height. The ones for 107th and 103th have been changed over too. Some things get overlooked and just need folks to speak up and draw attention to them via the proper channels....

 

I was unable to subscribe to that newsletter.
It said SORRY.........

Is there a better link?

 

After a number of phonecalls to various mcdot folks, seems the general public can't sign up but is advised to check the website for info. Guess I was put on it since I'm on a transportation committee....
http://www.mcdot.maricopa.gov/home.htm
I updated the link info in my prior post so people won't be confused. Thanks for telling me. I didn't realize I was on a "special" email list from them.

 

Thank you.
I went to the new site and viewed all the road closures.
The only one that is in SC seems to be between Loma Blanca and Palmeras.
Something to do with right & left turn lanes.

 

Where we are in phase I, we have many residents who do not drive, not even a golf cart.....they walk to Fry's and to the Oakmont Rec center and appreciate the fact that at least in this particular area everything is in close proximity. One of the many reasons we were so concerned when there were rumors that Oakmont Rec Center would be closed. When I am out walking the dogs I see people walking to Fry's, or even taking motorized wheel chairs to the store.....and there are restaurants at the 107th and Grand shopping center. Where else can you retire and find so much within walking distance of your home??

 

I know I am dreaming.....A pedestrian bridge over Bell and Grand at 107th would be lovely. It would be way too expensive but it would be so nice to have.

 

Yesterday I drove north on 103rd and crossed Grand.
The sidewalk looks good, but crossing Grand, welllllllll

 

A bridge over Bell & Grand at 107th?
Perhaps you mean over Grand at 107th.

Bell & Grand meet further east.
That is where there is a lot of talk about an overhead bridge.
Some like the idea. Some don't.

 

They tried one of those pedestrian bridges in the Denver area to connect two popular shopping centers/malls across a very busy street....Like Bell and Grand. Nice bridge....no one uses it.

 

Where I work we have bridges over streets to connect the buildings. People use them often. It all depends on how much people need to cross the street. It sounds like it's so difficult to cross Grand from what people say that it would be useful. Unless you are saying that no one walks so it's not needed. Or that no one needed to go into a different area often.

 

Most of the bridges require climbing stairs though so that could be an issue...the need to make it available for wheelchairs.

 

I do see Sun City as lacking in walk ability to grocery shopping, or no bus service around the community. How do people shop who do not drive or are limited in walking distance? I know there is dial-a-ride but I don't know how easy it is to use that service.

 

Cynthia---
If you ever move to our "paradise" -- a possibility for you would be to live in Phase I -- that would be near and walking distance to Fry's Grocery Store. There are many lovely homes in that area.
And you would be close to Oakmont Rec Center, as well-- (if you are close to Fry's)

 

Sun City West has taken pedestrians into consideration with the installation of its new HAWK system: http://www.mcdot.maricopa.gov/news/2013/scw-crosswalk.htm

 

Yay, Peoria's Entertainment District neighboring us on 83rd is going to improve:
Public Invited to Learn About 83rd Avenue Improvements
Peoria officials and staff will be on hand to answer questions and present concept plans for an 83rd Avenue improvement project on Sept. 4 from 5 - 7 p.m. at Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane. Slated to begin next year, the improvements include landscaping, signage, and pedestrian walkways between Mariners Way and Bell Road – the area is also known as the P83 Entertainment District. For more information about this project, email adina.lund@peoriaaz.gov or call 623-773-7212.