In the past we have already spoken about “Satancon”, the conference put on by the Satanic Order of Salem that came to Scottsdale this past weekend. Whether it is a legitimate push for religious freedom or simply absurdity, it’s difficult to tell, but one thing that it very likely is is harmless. Don’t tell that to the throngs of demonstrators … Read More
A Potential Financial Doomsday for Scottsdale Schools: Why Our Legislature Needs to Act Now
Scottsdale Unified had its share of struggles last year; an incredibly onerous number of struggles. 2021 could easily be considered a Year From Hell for the district. 2022 is arriving with a struggle that is even more imposing than scandal and angry protestors however; it brings the potential of financial crisis. Due to a relatively arcane statute that is over … Read More
Guest Editorial: Update on Proposal to Reduce Setbacks Is Tabled For Now; 20 New Code Changes on Horizon
By Councilmember Julie Pace Thanks to residents for voicing your opposition to the Mayor and Councilmember Dembow’s aggressive campaign to reduce the setback requirement for view and combination fence locations from 20 feet to 10 feet in front yards along 15 miles of streets in Paradise Valley. Our Town’s Planning Commission unanimously (7 to 0) opposed the setback reduction proposal. … Read More
A Return to Normal (Finally): Light COVID Restrictions at Just the Right Time for the WM Phoenix Open
One of the greatest Arizona’s traditions descended upon us this past weekend: the WM Phoenix Open. The raucous event, known as the “People’s Open”, has long been known as the most raucous tour stop in golf, a party that attracts incredible thrones who are there to drink, eat, mingle, and perhaps take in a bit of golf…perhaps. And after a … Read More
Assisted Living Care Rezone Hits Snag in Planning Committee – Another Example of Anti-Growth Policies?
We have spoken frequently about the lack of affordable housing and Scottsdale leadership’s refusal to rectify the problem. However, it seems as though this issue is manifesting itself in ways other than NIMBYism and no movement on potential developments. In a recent case, even an assisted living center is finding the pathway difficult. A recent application near the intersection of … Read More
Sensible Sobriety In Scottsdale
We weren’t big fans of the Greenbelt 88 multi-family proposal to largely replace a shopping center at Hayden and Osborn with apartments. But the way in which it passed the Scottsdale City Council last night on a 5-2 vote (with Mayor Ortega and Councilwoman Littlefield dissenting) was important and instructive. The majority seemed to get what Scottsdale voters expressed in a … Read More
Mesa Moving Forward with Development, Will Scottsdale’s NIMBYism Lead to Extreme Housing Legislation?
Another day passes, and another story hits the wire about development elsewhere in the Valley, a story of Scottsdale developers unable to build in their own city and focusing their efforts elsewhere. In this case it’s in Mesa again, with a 144-unit mixed use development near downtown. We have spoken at length about the housing crisis in this state and … Read More
SUSD Considers Limiting Public Comment: Not Enough Adults in the Room
The Scottsdale Unified School District recently considered rather draconian moves in response to public input and discourse: to limit public comment, as well as to restrict it to people who have a vested interest in the district. While the board took no action, it does highlight a growing issue at SUSD meetings, as political activists from around the state as … Read More
Guest Editorial: Protect Scottsdale’s Zoning
By Solange Whitehead Scottsdale’s Zoning Under Threat AZ Leg Bill HB2674 will Override City Zoning Scottsdale’s value is the product of good zoning. Our zoning tilts the playing field in favor of quality developments and has enabled Scottsdale to protect our unique character and open space. That will all change if HB 2674 becomes law. According to the AZ League … Read More
Arrogance Personified: Congressional Candidate QAnon Ron Speaks Up at SUSD Meeting, and We All Lose as a Result
By Alexander Lomax You almost certainly aware of the QAnon movement, the far-ranging group of halfwits who believe that Congress is a big child sex-trafficking ring and that Trump would jail all of them and come back and become president again. Perhaps you didn’t know that one of the people widely believed to be a person posting as “Q” and … Read More