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

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

Guest Editorial: Solange Whitehead is Part of the Problem

By Larry Kush Three years ago on February 28th 2019, I had coffee with newly elected Scottsdale councilwoman Solange Whitehead to discuss her position on housing. Solange told me of her commitment to help alleviate the homeless problem and how she was an strong advocate for affordable housing. Over the next 3 years, Solange then proceeded to oppose nearly every … 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