Chandler news and views roundup - Nov. 22, 2006

A few articles for you today on politics and public policy in Chandler, Arizona:

1. High-rise plans up in air

The construction of an 8-story hotel and 15-story luxury high-rise condominium in Chandler is still up in the air, according to Chandler Planning and Development director Doug Ballard.

Construction of Elevation Chandler, as the project is called, halted in May, leaving an 8-story skeleton jutting against the Chandler skyline at the intersection of Loop 101 and Frye Road near the Chandler Fashion Center.

Developer Jeff Cline said last month unanticipated increases in construction costs and lack of funding to meet these increases led to the $250 million project's delay.

2. Stalled project to be auctioned

For sale at public auction: Two parcels of prime real estate next to Chandler Fashion Center. Amenities include a partially built tower called Elevation Chandler.

The mortgage holder of developer Jeff Cline's stalled high-rise condo-hotel is foreclosing on the project, according to documents filed with the Maricopa County recorder. A trustee's sale is set for Feb. 5.

3. No-parking rules tightened

City OKs move that could pinch day-labor area

New mandatory court appearances for anyone standing, stopping or parking in a "no parking" zone anywhere in the city have upped the ante for contractors who pick up day laborers along Arizona Avenue.

The new rule, changed by the City Court and approved by the City Council, could result in a maximum $477 citation, depending on a judge's decision, officials said.

4. Police can ticket indoor smokers

Chandler City Attorney Michael House has changed his opinion about the city's role in enforcing the new state smoking law.

House said last week that Chandler would stop enforcing smoking rules once the new state law takes effect May 1. The new law, based on Proposition 201 approved by voters Nov. 7, is more restrictive than the city's, which for three years has allowed smoking in bars but banned it in most other public places. Prop. 201 includes a ban on smoking in bars but exempts private clubs, tobacco shops and some hotel rooms.

The attorney said this week that it will be up to the state to penalize businesses that permit indoor smoking in violation of the law, but municipal police can still issue citations against smokers. That's because lighting up in most indoor places will be considered a "petty criminal offense."

5. Chandler High targets truancy

There are many reasons students skip school - they do not feel like going, need to work, are ill or are simply in the habit of ditching class.

No matter what the reason, truancy is against Arizona law, which requires children between the ages of 6 and 16 attend school unless they are ill or have a legitimate reason for the absence.

This why many counties across the nation, including Maricopa, are instituting what are known as diversion programs - strategies to keep children out of the court system. The Court Unified Truancy Suppression, or CUTS, program has been implemented in several Maricopa County schools with the aim of thwarting truancy.

Chandler High School, 350 N. Arizona Ave., sent a letter to parents over the fall break in October, letting them know the CUTS program was being implemented and outlining its details, especially the consequences for children considered "habitually truant."