The NIMBY’s Actually Lost a Battle in Scottsdale: How Positive of a Sign Is This?

We have griped quite a bit about the Council of No in Scottsdale and the sacrifice of reasonable growth for the holy grail of perfect developments; letting perfect be the enemy of good, in essence. So imagine our very deep surprise when a mixed-use development passed through the Council recently! What looks to be an intriguing mixed-use project near Marshall … Read More

Guest Editorial: Barry Graham is Wrong for Scottsdale

By Larry Kush When Barry Graham was first appointed to the Scottsdale Planning Commission eyes rolled in the Scottsdale Planning Department as staff was aware that Mr. Graham had exactly zero experience in the planning and zoning practice and policies needed to make intelligent zoning decisions.  He went on to prove their fears, by voting no on nearly every, much … Read More

An Interesting Potential Solution for Housing Affordability Crisis

We don’t need to tell you that the housing crisis in Arizona is one of the most important issues that impacts so many Arizonans. We have led the country in rent increases, and the median home price has risen exponentially and now tops an eye-popping $500,000. And we have spoken plenty about the need for more housing options; increasing supply … Read More

Ortega, Whitehead, Janik, Durham, Littlefield: Please Meet Kathleen Black

As recently reported by the Wall Street Journal Scottsdale now has the distinction of being America’s top city for inflation.  We can think of better accolades.  Related to this topic is something Laurie Roberts from the Arizona Republic recently wrote about:  rising housing costs. Here is something very powerful and disturbing she wrote:  “You’ve heard the stories, or maybe you’re … Read More

The Council of No Strikes Again – Ironwood 92 Forced to Withdraw

We had high hopes for Ironwood 92: a well thought out development that would have provided affordable housing for healthcare workers and helped drive down rent prices by increasing supply. We had high hopes, but they were dashed by the Council of No. Last week, the developers of Ironwood 92 asked for a simple continuance to help ensure that their … 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

Guest Editorial: Kid! Get Off My Lawn.

By Mike Norton The “growth years” for Scottsdale long ago ended. From 1970 through early 2000’s, Scottsdale grew steadily. Compared to today, we were a vibrant, comparably young, and thriving community. Family Friendly housing developments and the expansion of superb school networks dominated those decades. Not only were there no complaints about growth, we embraced growth and enjoyed it. From … Read More