Free Again in 2022
For years, Scottsdale's popular and free Summer Concerts at the Railroad Park were a great way to relax and transition into our warmer months.
Many were disappointed - including me - to see a $30 ticket price this year. The good news is that the concerts will again be free to all in 2022. .
Downtown Character Area Plan This Fall, Council will review and update the Downtown Character Area Plan in an effort to mitigate issues resulting from the 2018 Council vote that increased height allowances downtown.
The 2018 approval conflicts with General Plan aspirations to transition heights between area types and does not stipulate meaningful community benefits such as open space. It is worth noting, State law prohibits city governments from reversing previously approved zoning decisions limiting options available to this Council. However, a City Council majority can always deny individual zoning cases.
An Emerald Necklace in Downtown
In September, staff will present a plan to create interconnectivity downtown with a network of safe and shady pedestrian paths. The path system is coined the 'emerald necklace'.
Downed Trees: Staff will be working to replace trees lost this monsoon season.
Un-Spiking Downtown Crime
Higher crime rates are being reported across the nation and Downtown Scottsdale is no exception.The City's legal team and PD are taking steps to keep Scottsdale's vibrant nightlife safe. A partial list includes:
1) Higher Consequences for Minor Offenses: Littering and public urination now result in steeper fines with SPD actively seeking out and ticketing offenders.
2) Increased Police Presence: SPD will continue to monitor and increase PD presence downtown and bring in specialized State law enforcement agencies as needed.
3) Updates to the Public Safety Plan Ordinance: Council will review proposed changes written to strengthen public safety protocols in the entertainment district, The process will also include public outreach and input.
4) No Litterbugs: The City will encourage the downtown bar owners to jointly hire a maintenance contractor in order to improve the cleanliness of the area.
5) Neighborhood Watch: Expect increased coordination between neighboring businesses and residents with onsite cameras and SPD, a new focus on cleaner, safer alleys, and increased neighbor-to-neighbor collaborations.
Affordable Housing & Workforce Housing
Affordable housing provides homes for low income individuals that make less than 80% of the median income of a local area. Public resources can be spent on affordable housing. Rent is capped at 30% of the tenant's income.
Workforce housing refers to housing that is affordable for professions such as teachers, hospital employees, and first responders. Public resources cannot be spent on workforce housing. State law prohibits cities from requiring workforce housing but cities can encourage it.
The City Council will consider a task force to review resources and opportunities to create both types of housing with the goal of preventing homelessness and improving quality of life for our workforce. Creating workforce housing can also reduce traffic in Scottsdale.
There are innovative public and private efforts in Arizona working to increase these types of housing options and some developers are stepping up. One development proposal in Scottsdale will include a workforce housing component. I recently toured a 7-year old, affordable senior apartment community in Mesa. Affordability and exceptional architecture are not mutually exclusive!
I am a proud new member of the Waste Not board-- an incredible food rescue organization that served 2.9 million meals in 2020, diverting 1,400 tons from the landfill. There is far more food that needs to be rescued and enjoyed. I am pleased to be part of the team to make it happen!
Fun fact: This year, Waste Not was recognized as the "Recycler of the Year" by the Arizona Recycling Coalition. Waste Not's work is a 'good' multiplier: people, planet, economy. Read More