Despite rising violent crime, new owner in shopping center at corner of Speedway and Swan

TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) – “Right now, the thing that concerns us most in terms of crime is the shooting at the Mission Plaza Center on the corner of Speedway and Swan,” said Lois Pawlak, president of the Garden District Neighborhood Association.

Tucson Police Detectives continue to investigate the August 11 incident that began in the parking lot of the Arizona Hookah Lounge.

RELATED STORY: Midtown businesses push for safer streets after Aug. 11 shooting

The Garden District keeps the neighborhood informed through its weekly newsletter. The most recent newsletter included an update from a neighborhood meeting with TPD.

Garden District Neighborhood Association

Since the shooting, updates on community safety have become one of the main sections of each weekly newsletter. Garden District President Lois Pawlak spoke about the violence during a meeting with KGUN 9 and highlighted other impacts on the area.

“Companies have lost a whole day's worth of revenue,” Pawlak said. “That's what worries us. We've seen one company after another get back on their feet and move on.”

Due to the violence, the shops in the shopping center on the southwest corner of Speedway and Swan had to relocate, and several business premises are vacant.

On August 5, owner Zain Investments LLC completed the purchase of several units at the east end of the mall. Owner Jamal Qasim shared his perspective on the ongoing violence in the area, particularly the shooting that occurred shortly after his purchase.

“I'm definitely concerned about the violence, but hopefully the Tucson Police Department will take a stronger stand on it,” Qasim said. He added that he has lived in the area most of his life and has seen crime rise and fall. He plans to put his plans into action.

“I want to try to get all the stores ready for leasing,” he said.

When it comes to new businesses or potential tenants in the area, Lois Pawlak likes to be proactive and find out who is moving in.

“We hope new businesses will be good neighbors. Being a good neighbor isn't hard, keep your home clean. If you have crime problems, partner with us or TPD. We can even help you advertise in our newsletter,” Pawlak said.