Last night, outgoing Mayor Daniel Mintz gave the annual State of the City address at Project Phoenix, in the new Visitor Center, and there was much to celebrate. Reporter Heather Clisby was there …
Addressing a room of excited public leaders and residents, outgoing Mayor Daniel Mintz gave the annual State of the City address within the new 4,100-square-foot Joshua Tree National Park Cultural and Visitor Center.
Mintz detailed the history of Project Phoenix, which began 11 years ago and took $20 million to design and build. The commercial-grade kitchen within the Community Center will be used by project partners, Copper Mountain College and the Morongo Unified School District, to teach culinary arts. Mintz stated that, while the bulk of the work is done, final touches may take a year or more.
Referencing the “it takes a village” philosophy, Mintz commended the citizenry on their united rejection of the placement of a Sexually Violent Predator last year. “Over a thousand residents got involved in this effort and it was another win for our community,” Mintz said.
Other highlights:
Mintz stated that plans for the newly refurbished pool at Luckie Park – build in 1950 – were long overdue and underway.
Animal Control rescued 1,100 animals last year and most were returned to their owners or adopted out.
To address the ongoing housing shortage, the city saw 21 new houses built last year and 15 in 2020. “Some years, we only have two,” stated Mintz.
The 2-000 ft. Channel Trail is now available for walkers and bicyclists. (Cross streets: Split Rock Avenue on the west and Adobe Road on the east.)
The new O’Reilly’s Auto Parts store is nearing completion along Hwy 62.
With an influx of tourists, the city has realized an $870,785 increase in sales tax and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).
The city is experiencing a downward trend in crime.
Last year, the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s station received 28,000 calls for service. Meanwhile, the fire department received 2,600 calls and 78 percent of those were medical-related.
The city maintains 50 acres of parks and new shade structures were installed at both Luckie and Knotts Sky Park over the youth play areas.
The city’s road crew has the means to pave its’ own roads, which is a cost-saver, and re-paved 1.6 miles of local roads last year.
In 2021, the city installed or replaced 484 new street signs, maintained 115 miles of road shoulders, filled in 2,600 potholes, and removed 350 tons of trash and debris from city streets.
Mintz concluded by stating that the city is “fiscally sound” with a balanced budget and healthy reserves.
The Grand Opening of Project Phoenix is set for March 12
Below are some photos showcasing the new Project Phoenix.
