TheChandlerCityCouncil voted to change the speed limit and add signs along Joe Long Drive in their monthly meeting on March 13.
Currently, the speed limit is 35 miles per hour, but it will be lowered to 25 miles per hour to match the surrounding roads . Mike Keller, assistant publicworksdirector,made the recommendation after speaking with Police Chief Matt Mattheyer.
“We would like to slow the traffic down even more with all the kids at the park, football players, the city officials, the city workers that are in and out of that place. We just feel like we want to reduce that speed,” Keller said.
The Council also approved a proclamation and received a plaque from the Purple Heart Association naming Chandler a Purple Heart City.
Gary Lewis fromAmerican Legion Post #64 based in Chandler spoke before the Council and presented the plaque to Mayor Kent McVey. The designation is given to cities or municipalities that honor and recognize the sacrifices made by veterans wounded or killed in combat.
The Council also voted to support the Chandler Regional Airport Authority as they apply for FY26 Community Project Funding. The Airport Authority is currently working on several projects, including expanding the taxi area and extending the runway from 4,000 to 5,000 feet.
Rick Blackwell, pastor at First Baptist Church, presented the church’s plan to build a monolithic dome that would serve as a multipurpose building and a storm shelter, fitting over 1,100 people. They hope to receive a FEMA grant to help with the construction but need a county or city entity to submit a subapplication on their behalf and accept a memorandum of understanding outlining the responsibilities of both parties.
The Council approved moving forward with the memorandum of understanding, subject to working out the legal details that would be appropriate for the project.