HomeMy WebLinkAbout01_2021 Social Security Administration procla atton
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, the Social Security Administration (SSA)has recently entered a short term lease
intended to allow the SSA more time to consider moving from 253 W
Superstition Blvd, to more than 20 miles away, into the town of Gilbert; and
WHEREAS, this current location in Apache Junction serves some of the most at-need
retirees of greater Phoenix, and a move of this type, 20 miles away, represents
an undue burden on these retirees, many of whom need to use public
transportation to visit Social Security Offices in person; and
WHEREAS, the nearest location for Apache Junction and surrounding area is at 702 West
Jerome Avenue in Mesa, which is 21 miles away from the Apache Junction
office but only 5 miles from the proposed relocation to Gilbert with significantly
far fewer Social Security Beneficiaries; and
WHEREAS, Apache Junction and areas on the east end of Greater Phoenix remain some of
the largest growth areas for retirees, with residents in Apache Junction alone
having an average age of 52.4 years old and a median income of $21,000/year
compared to the Gilbert proposed location with represents a much younger age
group estimated at 33.9 years of age with a median income of$84,000/year; and
WHEREAS, only 57.71 o of Gilbert residents have income of under $80,000 compared to
nearly 900 o of Apache Junction residents with an income under$80,000. Gilbert's
veteran population at an estimated 1.72 0,6 compared to Apache Junction's 2.81%,
with one zip code at nearly 4% veterans. Gilbert's zip code with the highest
population of 65 or older is 9.81%compared to Apache Junction's zip code with
the highest population of 65 or older is 39.79%; and
WHEREAS, the Average lease rates for office space in Gilbert are $23.06/sf. in which does
not include the additional tenant improvements that SSA would need to pay for
updating the Gilbert location in comparison,Apache Junction has an office space
average of$17.95/s f. with no need for tenant improvements;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chip Wilson. find the SSA's decision to move the facility out of
Apache Junction egregious to the population it is meant to serve, a gross neglect and disservice
to our Veterans and retirement community.
Signed and attested to this day of ,2021.
CHIP WILSON
Mayor
ATTEST:
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76NIFER P NA
City Clerk