By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead
Scottsdale’s world class status can be attributed to our multi-generational commitment to preservation and design excellence in our built environment.
The Waterfront, pictured above, showcases both priorities. In 2003, Mayor Mary Manross and the Council approved the project. By trading height for public open space, the approval transformed vacant, blighted land into one of Scottsdale’s most desirable and economically vibrant areas.
Following in their footsteps, my colleagues and I set a new high bar with the recent approval of The Parque. The 5-2 approval follows a year of negotiations.
Located on the 30-acre vacant Crackerjax site, The Parque includes two buildings with height that have significant setbacks to preserve view corridors. The building heights, however, are much lower than The Waterfront towers.
The Parque will have a 2-acre public park, over 700 trees, and a stormwater harvesting system projected to capture close to 5 million gallons of water annually.
The mixed-use site includes a 5-star hotel, plus residential, retail, and an office building. The residential will be a mix of luxury condominiums and apartments with 10% dedicated as workforce housing. Watch my remarks HERE.
The Airport Commission and the Planning Commission unanimously supported The Parque. The Planning Commission’s vote is notable because my colleagues and I have appointed tough development critics to the commission.
Many residents spoke in support at the Council meeting including resident Michal Joyner. Watch her remarks HERE.
A special shout out to my colleagues, Councilmembers Tom Durham and Betty Janik, for their tough and visionary negotiations. Read more HERE.
“I always appreciate the rationale and thought you put into making decisions. It’s easy to be on the side that always says yes, or always says no. As a community member, I want the people that are in the middle who demand a higher standard of living” Jesse W.
Protecting Scottsdale, One Neighborhood at a Time
While the large development projects get all the attention, most of my time is spent working with residents to address a variety of neighborhood issues and requests. This includes stopping development projects that negatively impact neighborhoods.Development along the North 101 Explained
The State Land Department has been auctioning hundreds of acres of state trust lands along the 101-corridor. Most of the large parcels have zoning entitlements that date back years or even decades. Including the Mack Innovation Center (F) that has generated a lot of attention.
The City Council cannot reverse past zoning decisions or prevent development on private land. The Council does uphold high design standards, is requiring road and other infrastructure improvements, and negotiates many other community investments. It is worth noting that this Council has limited density to these business districts while preventing density elsewhere. In doing so, we ensure that Scottsdale remains one of the least dense cities in Arizona and the nation.
Top Notch Outcomes While the rapid development in this corridor feels overwhelming, there is good news. Developers are voluntarily building well below zoned heights and delivering truly upscale projects. These projects, like The Waterfront and Scottsdale Quarter, demonstrate the benefits of mixed-use over commercial zoning. Instead of acres of hot asphalt parking lots, these developments create vibrant year-round communities.
Generous Private Gifts to Scottsdale Art Institutions
Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (MOW), received two significant gifts this fall.
A $12 million gift, from local philanthropist Louis “Buzz” Sands IV, will fund an expansion adding two new floors and two galleries.
According to MOW CEO Todd Bankofier, this is the “Largest donation by an individual to an Art Museum in Arizona history.”Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West (MOW), received two significant gifts this fall.
A $12 million gift, from local philanthropist Louis “Buzz” Sands IV, will fund an expansion adding two new floors and two galleries.
According to MOW CEO Todd Bankofier, this is the “Largest donation by an individual to an Art Museum in Arizona history.”
Safest Cities: Scottsdale Earns National Recognition
More good news, Scottsdale was ranked in the top ten “Safest Cities in America” by Wallet Hub.
