If there was one thing that the last election as well as the recent fight against Axon in Scottsdale have taught us, it’s that the electorate does not want overdevelopment in the city. It detests unnecessary traffic, it hates apartment complexes fit for thousands of people, and it is rather NIMBY by nature.
They probably will not be happy then to learn that a few very large projects are happening right now in north Scottsdale, but that the inevitable grumbles and anger will almost certainly be misplaced. Why is that? First, let’s talk through all of this development.
At the moment there are over 500 acres in north Scottsdale being transformed into a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Projects like the Atavia Condominiums and Optima McDowell Mountain Village are introducing luxury living options, and then there’s Axon apartment megacomplex, which the people and city council are still pushing back on in the face of the company’s bullying and attempted stripping away of your rights. But one thing is clear: this surge in development is reshaping the area’s landscape, attracting new residents and businesses alike.
It’s not just residential however: Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASM has decided to make a headquarters in north Scottsdale that is double the size of their current footprint in Phoenix. With it will come 1,300 high-wage jobs and a $300 million office and research facility. So this isn’t just about increased population density.
While some residents express concerns about rapid growth, the diversity of these projects, from sustainable designs to mixed-use communities, suggests a balanced approach to urban expansion. If managed thoughtfully, this variety could enhance Scottsdale’s appeal, blending modern amenities with the city’s unique character. But we know that it won’t stop people from being irritated: after all, overdevelopment was the main factor in the last election.
We won’t tell you how to feel, but one thing you should keep in mind? If you’re angry, your current elected officials are not likely to be the ones you should be blaming. Why?
All of these projects went into motion a long time ago. For instance, the Optima McDowell Mountain Village was approved in council in November 2022, with a different mayor and a very different city council. Moreover, the only two members who are still on council from back then, Kathy Littlefield and Solange Whitehead, voted against it.
You are welcome to have strong emotions, but let’s make sure that they’re directed on the people who made those decisions, not those that have to deal with them.