The North Central Phoenix Homeowners Association works tirelessly to ensure the beauty, charm and history of the neighborhoods along Central Avenue and between the 7s is maintained (photo courtesy of NCPHA).
In 2020, Phoenix became the fifth-largest city in the U.S., growing in population at a rate of 11.2 percent from the 2010 census. Since that time, the city has continued to grow by nearly 3 percent, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Many of those who call Phoenix home are feeling the impact, as roads become ever more congested, and the city pushes for more housing density – sometimes negatively impacting existing residents who have worked hard to create and maintain the character of their neighborhoods.
Whether Phoenix’s ever-growing population is sustainable is a valid question; however, residents witnessing the city’s ever-changing landscape may take some comfort in knowing that there are those who are working to advocate for their neighborhoods, both in North Central and across the city.
Officially established in 1977, the North Central Phoenix Homeowners Association (NCPHA) guards North Central from “commercial and residentially inappropriate encroachment.” Bounded by Missouri Avenue to Northern Avenue, 7th Avenue to 7th Street, its current and future mission is to maintain and enhance the residential neighborhood and to ensure the beauty, charm and history of the neighborhood is preserved.
The organization represents approximately 2,500 residential parcels and commercially zoned properties on the 7’s; however, “Many people don’t know we exist,” said NCPHA president, Mary Crozier, “but you can tell from our activity, we quietly work behind the scenes 24/7. North Central is the last remaining vestige of rural residential lifestyle that once existed in the Salt River Valley and we believe it is an asset worth protecting.”
The Murphy Bridle Path, north Central Avenue and the olive and ash trees on both sides of Central Avenue have a national historic designation by the Department of the Interior National Park Service as of 2004. The area was platted in the late 1800s by William J. Murphy and has many historical properties that have been protected by the city’s Historic Preservation Department.
“North Central is more than just a place to live,” Crozier added. “It’s a vibrant, diverse community where people put down roots, raise families and invest in the future. Our residents are not just passing through. We are open, un-gated and fiercely dedicated to preserving what makes this place special.”
In the past year, NCPHA has made strides in connecting with D6 Councilmember Robinson and worked with neighbors to resolve issues, added a speed hump on Rose Lane, is working to add stop bars on all side streets that intersect with the Bridle Path, funded and planted 56 new ash trees along Central Avenue, and presented at more than a dozen zoning hearings. And they continue to work to reduce the traffic accidents, encourage people to slow down on Central Avenue, while working to restore and renovate the Murphy Bridle Path.
But one of the most critical issues they have taken on recently, Crozier says, is informing neighbors about and opposing state legislation, specifically HB 2734, HB 2721 and HB 2570.
“For the last three years, some state legislators are pushing bills that would strip away local zoning control (HB 2570), remove single-family zoning and replace our homes, historic homes included, with higher density apartments, including duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes (HB 2721) – without any true plan for affordable housing,” Crozier said. “These proposals threaten to destroy the very essence of what makes North Central and other historic neighborhoods like Willo and Coronado so valuable to Phoenix. Each city and town in our state is different and a one-size-fits-all housing bill has the potential to damage and destroy residential zoning.
“This is not about opposing growth. We believe in thoughtful, reasonable development. But the bills being passed are not about increasing affordable housing – they are about lining the pockets of a few, at the cost of destroying our community’s character and the quality of life we’ve worked so hard to protect.”
Speaking to neighbors, Crozier added, “If you are living within our boundaries, please sign up to receive neighborhood updates. We need every resident to participate in the public process to support or oppose those issues that will enhance or negatively impact our neighborhood.”
The NCPHA board meets the second Wednesday of every month and holds an annual meeting for all residents in September at All Saints Episcopal Church and Day School. Residents can learn more at www.ncpha.org or by reaching out via email: info@ncpha.org.
Editor’s note: In March, we will continue our Connected Communities series and introduce readers to another organization advocating for neighborhoods, both in North Central and across the city – the Neighborhood Coalition of Greater Phoenix.
