Recession knocked out a lot of big-box stores and “mom and pops,” leaving strip malls around the Valley with huge vacancies.

In north Phoenix, City Councilman Bill Gates and others are convinced shops took a hit in that area more than a decade ago when the Piestewa Parkway was built and gave potential shoppers the ability to bypass city streets.

Councilman Gates has been working with businesses and neighborhood activists to revitalize the vicinity of 32nd Street and Shea Boulevard.