This past week, Council initiated the process to create a City park on the last remaining public canal parcel and proceed with public outreach on the Downtown Character Area Plan. A downtown bicycle plan also moved forward. Photo: Chris Loomis (https://www.chrisloomis.com/)
Development 2021
If there is one issue that unites Scottsdale voters, that issue is development. Specifically, development fatigue. There has been a significant uptick in apartment developments over the last decade. In many parts of the City, heights and densities increased while setbacks, views, and open space decreased. All of which makes the current resident mood understandable.
Investment and redevelopment are needed to retain our City's allure as an international, luxury destination. But not every project will qualify and not every land parcel should be up for grabs.
https://youtu.be/3BGiYW3ySNM
Council's job is to prevent bad development, not just delay it. To do so, we should oppose inappropriate development (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BGiYW3ySNM) , negotiate up great proposals (http://mailchi.mp/61ef11ccc3f0/the-kimsey-5150753) , and firmly reject developer subsidy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTU4UmLR2Jo) requests.
Raising expectations for development favors the best developers and improves all development. Many of my negotiated wins over the last 2.5 years are becoming standard in new proposals such as:
* 5-year performance contracts (or zoning reverses)
* Dedicated perpetual public open space and pedestrian easements
* Adherence to the green building code* to reduce water usage and urban heat.
* Robust landscaping plans using larger trees
* Reduced heights and minimal amended standards
* (Multifamily) Rent discounts for local workforce.
Checking these boxes alone does not guarantee a green light. This past week, the proposed District at 9400 Shea was continued until October due to lack of public support and a request for more public outreach. Listening to residents takes longer but improves outcomes.
* International Green Construction Building Code
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTU4UmLR2Jo
Short Term Rental Law Delivers Another Financial Blow
Too many short term rentals, not too few apartments, are at the root of Scottsdale's housing shortage. And this week, the Airbnb Law delivered another financial blow to Scottsdale taxpayers.
With over 5,000 homes converted to 'hotels', it is not surprising that Scottsdale's census numbers dropped by roughly 20,000. As a result, Scottsdale's portion of the annual State tax revenue will drop, too. This is yet another multi-million dollar reason to prioritize tax collection from STR operators and continue efforts to restore local zoning control.
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/colorado-river-shortage
Colorado Water Shortage For the first time ever, an official Colorado River Tier 1 Shortage was declared for calendar year 2022. The announcement came from the Bureau of Reclamation in August based on projections for Lake Mead water levels for January. Read more here (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/water/colorado-river-shortage) and I will cover more on this topic soon.
Scottsdale's Development Process Works Scottsdale's Development Review Board voted 7-0 to deny an HOA request to cut down 670 trees in one of its subdivisions. The trees were part of the development stipulations approved 20 years prior and thus the HOA needed City approval. The impacted residents passionately opposed the loss of so many trees. CW Littlefield, chairing the meeting, advised the HOA to listen to residents and come up with a better plan.