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Revitalizing Oracle Area

By Teresa Jun, KOLD News 13

Community members are planning a make-over in part of mid-town.  It's called the Oracle Area Revitalization Project.  It encompasses several blocks bordered by Miracle Mile to the north, Speedway to the south, Fairview and I-10 to the west, and Stone Avenue to the east.

The Oracle area was once a vibrant corridor several decades ago.  But in recent years, because of crime and poverty issues, the area has struggled with its image.  Now a new local effort has started up to change that.

From their location on Drachman Street, workers at El Mariachi Restaurant see first-hand some of the struggles facing the area.

"We had a shooting," said Jose Lopez, security guard at the restaurant.  "It was a fatality, someone died."

Lopez says crime, combined with boarded-up businesses, are driving people away - from not only Drachman, but also nearby Oracle Road and Miracle Mile.

"Everything's shut down," Lopez said.  "No one wants to come down here, it looks like an alley or something."

A citizen's committee of area residents, businesses, and Pima Community College members is coming to the table to find a solution with city leaders.

"This is an area that has some poverty, and some other challenges, that really need help," said Rebecca Ruopp, with the city of Tucson's Department of Urban Planning & Design.

The group will meet for the next 18 months to brainstorm a vision for the area.  Among some early suggestions: more parks, college housing, retail stores, and commercial space.

"I'm going to be living in this area for a long, long time," said Gloria Townsend, who lives at Tucson House apartment complex on Oracle Road, and is also a member of the citizen's committee.  "I want this area to be a nice place for me and my friends."

The public is also invited to help brainstorm and offer input, during the 18-month planning process.

To learn more about the project :

www.tucsonaz.gov/planning