Phoenix Work Center to Stay Open While Zoning Status
Gets Reviewed

An important day labor center in Phoenix, the Macehualli Work Center (MWC), will remain open, but its future remains cloudy thanks to a decision made by the city Board of Adjustment on Dec. 2.

Following a spirited public hearing attended by 150 workers, residents and business owners who want to keep the MWC's doors open, city officials said the facility will remain open while they determine if its temporary status conforms to city rules.

Supporters say the center has successfully increased property values, lowered crime rates and stabilized the largely Hispanic Palomino neighborhood. The center opened February 2003 to take workers off the streets.

But for now, workers like Analilia Roblero will continue showing up at the gates of the center in hopes of finding work. The mother of three participated in a 20 mile dignity walk in support of the center because she says it's safer than standing on the streets.

"It was long, it was hard," the 28-year-old immigrant of Chiapas, Mexico, said. "But I walked for us. So they wouldn't close the center."

The center is located in north Phoenix, where employers hire them to clean houses, lay sheet rock and trim shrubs. It currently has a temporary use permit, which requires year-to-year renewal. A confused Board of Adjustment wasn't sure if it could renew the permit, so it sent the issue back to a zoning official to study.

There are a variety of scenarios that could unfold for the center. It could continue
operating under its temporary format. The board could force the center's operators to run on a more permanent setup. Finally, Phoenix or the courts could shut down the center at 25th Street and Bell Road, putting dozens of workers back on the streets in search of jobs.