news & updates
news & updates
The Southwest's center for Asian culture, community and commerce will now have designated point of interest signs at the Sycamore/Main St. light rail station. The new Asian District signs will replace the old Tri-City signs, cementing the influence of the Asian community in this thriving enclave of West Mesa. The signage unveiling will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Park-and-Ride at Main Street and Sycamore in Mesa and will feature the Lions Dance, Taiko Drums, and other cultural performances.
"The new Asian District signage signifies the importance of this unique area as a destination in Mesa and having it at the Sycamore station will show how convenient it is to reach by light rail," said Francisco Heredia, District 3 Councilmember and Valley Metro Rail and Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA) Board Chair.
"We are excited to highlight Mesa's Asian District on the point of interest sign at the Sycamore/Main St light rail station," said Scott Smith, Valley Metro CEO. "Light rail has proven to be a major catalyst for new economic development and opportunity across our region, especially in the city of Mesa. We are proud to help riders from across the Valley access this important cultural district."
The unveiling of the Asian District point of interest signs will coincide with the Asian Festival also happening at the Main St. and Sycamore Park-and-Ride, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Asian Festival will feature more than 30 vendor booths, including 12 Asian food vendors and live entertainment throughout the day. The
festival, representing 15 Asian cultures, will celebrate the Lunar New Year, pay tribute to Asian veterans and provide health screenings and education. There will also be a Children's Paradise for kids to design lanterns and make arts and crafts.
"The mission of the Asian Festival is to promote a peaceful world by increasing international awareness and cultural understanding," said Winnie Kho Kaplan, Asian District Steering Committee Member and Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Arizona. "The event is a time when we can build community through businesses and family-oriented activity."
While the Asian Festival is intended to develop a greater understanding of Asian countries and cultures to the general public it is also a non-profit organization helping to operate the event and support Mesa's Asian District throughout the year. The City, in partnership with area stakeholders, created the district in 2020 to celebrate the area's unique offerings of culture, community and commerce. The Asian District comprises more than 70 Asian-themed restaurants, grocery stores and other service and retail businesses along a two-mile stretch of Dobson Road in west Mesa. There has been a 50 percent increase in annual sales tax revenues over three years in this part of the City.
For more information, to schedule interviews or RSVP to the signage unveiling, please call Kevin Christopher at (480) 644-4699 or email him at kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov
Contact: Kevin Christopher
(480) 644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov
Madeline Phipps
(602) 322-4492
mphipps@valleymetro.org
About City of Mesa: With a population of more than 504,000 Mesa, Arizona is the 37th largest city in the United States and second largest in the Phoenix-Mesa metro area. Mesa encompasses 138 square miles inside a 21-city region that has a population of 4.9 million people and is projected to grow to 5.4 million by 2026. Mesa is a favorite destination to thousands of visitors with more than 300 sun-filled days a year and average temperature of 72.6 degrees. The area's economy is driven by four major industries healthcare, education, aerospace, and tourism. Mesa is home to two award-winning airports, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and Falcon Field Airport. For more information about the City of Mesa go to mesaaz.gov.
About Valley Metro: Valley Metro exists to connect communities and enhance lives each day by providing eco-friendly public transit options in Maricopa County, the fastest growing county in U.S. In Fiscal Year 2021, at just over 27 million riders, transit ridership experienced a sharp decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the call for essential trips only on both bus and light rail. While life in metro Phoenix returns to a new normal, progress continues on five high-capacity transit extensions that are either in planning or under construction to create a 50-mile rail system by 2030. In spring 2022, Valley Metro will open the region's first streetcar line in Tempe that features the Valley's first off-wire operations in the system. Valley Metro also offers alternative transportation programs including paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance. Two Boards of Directors from 18 local cities and towns and the county set the policy direction for the agency with the intent of advancing the regional public transit system in Maricopa County. In additional federal and local funds, Valley Metro receives critical capital and operations funds from Prop. 400, the 20-year, regional half-cent transportation sales tax that is set to expire in 2025. Stay up-to-date by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter or by visiting valleymetro.org.