COGS Reports on Important Issues
Old Town Parking Garage Expansion
– On February 11th, the City Council voted 6-1 to approve the Design Services contract for the Old Town parking garage expansion, with Mayor Borowsky casting the dissenting vote. The project, funded by the 2019 Bond, will add two floor levels to the existing garage.
– Important to Note: No design work has begun yet. Public input will be part of the process to ensure that the final design aligns with the historic area and the Old Town Character Area Plan.
– During the estimated one-year construction period, the Farmers’ Market will be temporarily relocated a new city-owned Old Town location with more space as requested by the Farmers’ Market agent.
– The expansion will provide over 200 additional parking spaces, making space for the 85 new events planned for the Civic Center and Performing Arts, and the historic Old Town shops and restaurants. Currently, vendors rely on public street parking and some of the existing garage spaces.
Despite the 6-1 vote to approve the Design Service Contract, Mayor Borowsky is campaigning for an alternative location for the garage. Flyers distributed at the Farmers’ Market made inaccurate claims.
COGS will continue to provide updates on the Old Town parking garage expansion project based on official city sources.
COGS Member Rudy Fischer CAP Report
COGS member Rudy Fischer was elected to the Central Arizona Water Conservation District Board in November 2024, bringing his extensive experience in public service and water management to the Central Arizona Project.
Arizona has made significant strides in water conservation, helping to maintain Lake Mead’s levels. Recently, I joined other CAP board members and our General Manager on a visit to Yuma and the Mexican border to assess water infrastructure and address local agricultural concerns, as Arizona is obligated to provide water to Mexico.
Indian tribes play a crucial role in water discussions. The Arizona Water Settlements Act of 2004 and subsequent legislation have clarified tribal water rights, enabling underground storage of surplus surface water for future shortages. Recent agreements ensure that tribes receive priority access to stored water during shortages. These efforts reflect substantial progress in integrating tribal voices into water management decisions over the past 20 years.
The CAP board, which includes a representative from the Tohono O’odham Nation, continues to negotiate favorable water agreements for Arizona.
Scottsdale is well-prepared for future water needs, with extensive underground storage of both recycled and unused CAP water. The city’s advanced water recycling facility, built over 30 years ago, has been highly effective. Residents are encouraged to arrange tours to learn more about Scottsdale’s water management efforts.
Citywide Noise Ordinance Update
– Details: COGS opposes rooftop amplified music and recommended the city replace all sound meters with the dBc scale that measures music. The city has now replaced to upgraded decibel meters that capture amplified noise and music and not just human voices.
– COGS Position: COGS can not support the current, weakly enforced Noise Ordinance. Business “winners and losers” should not be determined by current city policy that allows the impact of unwanted noise or music bleeding beyond any establishment property lines. A 2024 updated draft was presented to City Council on December 3, 2024. At this time, April 2025, the staff draft has limited text changes – none of which will apply city wide nor rein in the loud and intrusive noise sources in the bar district and other areas of the city. No further staff report has been scheduled for public hearing.
Axon/Taser Corp Development
– Location: Land purchased from AZ State Land Department, south of the 101 loop, east of Hayden Road.
– Details: A request to build 1,975 apartments and a 475-key hotel.
– Update: Axon made road location and other changes upon requests of Stonebrooke II subdivision nearby. City Council approved the re-zoning to allow the residential component.
A successful Referendum challenging the rezoning is scheduled to be on the 2026 General Election. City Council members informally state they will not approve the $615,000 estimate to have Scottsdale taxpayers pay for a 2025 Special Election.
In April 2025, the AZ State House of Representatives passed a bill on to the Senate for consideration . The bill will restrict city zoning authority over international headquarter projects (plus other details). If the bill passes the Senate the 2026 Referendum ballot vote will be moot.
There has not been a legal opinion that if this AZ bill becomes law, would the stipulations that were negotiated with the nearby neighborhood be enforceable.
– COGS Position: Aligned with Stonebrook II HOA in neutral position
Fiscal Sustainability in the Sustainability Plan
–Update: Passed 5-2 on December 3, 2024 with amendments. Learn More
After three years of intense research including expert speakers, the
Environmental Advisory Commission received approval of their final report by a vote of 5 to 2 (Littlefield and Graham) on December 3, 2024. February 2025, the new council majority repealed the entire Sustainability Plan. COGS POSITION: Strong support for the Sustainability Plan and thanks to the 3 COGS members who worked on it along with other city council appointees.
– COGS Position: Strong support for the Sustainability Plan and thanks to the 3 COGS members who worked on it along with other city council appointees.
New Parking Garages in Old Town
– Locations:
– Stetson and 6th Avenue: New structure using city funds.
– Brown and 1st Avenue: Adding two levels to the existing garage using 2019 Bond funds.
– The City Council approved two garages in 2024; one in the NE Old Town Quadrant and one at Brown and First Street.
– COGS Position: Support two new parking garages in Old Town
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