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HOT ISSUES IN A HOT MONTH Comments Off on HOT ISSUES IN A HOT MONTH

 


HOT ISSUES raising community pulse rate

 

APARTMENT/CONDO NUMBERS verified as of July 2022: Approved or Pending multi-family residential rental units 13,722 to 14,997 which does not include projects of less than 50 residential units. This includes 779 assisted/medical care residential units approved. (See the chart deeper into this newsletter.)
SHEA BLVD traffic congestion and a proposed area new multi-unit residential project
HAYDEN ROAD “narrowing” to 4 lanes south of Indian School Road even though many new apartment complexes have been approved and completed on Hayden Road and McDowell Road.
CANDIDATE SIGNS and intersection visual hazards
DEVELOPER’S PROJECT PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE outside in a parking lot at 5pm with 115 F heat
SHORT TERM RENTAL Senate Bill 1168* gives cities permits/licenses and fines/violation controls (Read details in our COGS’ report deeper into this newsletter).


CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION DECISIONS

Development Review Board decisions:
  • approved 4 to 1 Case 18-UP-2021 the Asher Hills Park Master Plan with stipulations that (1) lighting pole height is revisited regarding ability to lower based on a lighting study (2) park closure (not-gated) can be changed from all-parks’ policy of 10:30 pm to 10 pm as neighbors requested. Passed 4 to 1. Commissioner Gonzales voted no.   Commissioner Fakih was absent.COGS note: City Council will need to vote on the closure time change from all-parks current policy. Reaction of the well-prepared public speakers was satisfied with some site changes and hopeful for the two stips to be accepted.
  • Approved 5 to 0 Case 1-PP-2022 Sereno Canyon Phase 4E located between Alameda Rd and E. Pinnacle Peak Rd/124th -125th for 10 resort units on 21 approx. acres

 

City Council decisions:
  • Approved 7-0 WestWorld horse barns remodel to increase rentable space
  • Approved 7-0 NCAA Golf National Championship New Event Fund not to exceed $75K for 2023 Grayhawk Golf Club location
  • Approved 4-3 (Councilmembers Milhaven, Caputi and Durham) to approve the addition of a sound wall on one side of north Pima Road as part of the approved widening/improvement project in Resolution 12476, a $51,341,076.95 project.

 

PROPOSED PROJECT OPEN HOUSE for the public comments

An open house is being held on the request for a Zoning District Map Amendment to rezone from General Commercial (C-4) to Planned Airpark Core Development -Airpark Mixed Use – Residential with a Planned Shared Development overlay (PCP-AMU-R – PSD) on the 32.3+/- gross acre site located at 16001 N. Scottsdale Road to allow for an innovative mixed-use campus including a proposed combination of office, retail/restaurant, substantial
public open space, residential, and/or hotel uses.
5 p.m.  Thursday, August 11
Culinary Dropout (Scottsdale Quarter) in the Absinthe/Peralta Room
15125 N Scottsdale Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Need to reach the city but do not  know who to call.  ONE NUMBER GETS YOU CONNECTED! Whether it’s a broken streetlight, a fresh pothole, a missing trash can, or an out-of-place scooter, our EZ online service makes it easier for residents to report problems with city facilities or services. Scottsdale EZ lets you quickly report issues on your desktop or mobile device and provides the city with a consolidated tracking and reporting system.


INTERESTING SCOTTSDALE POPULATION NUMBERS

ZIP CODE POPULATION PEOPLE / SQUARE MILE
85251 37890 5041
85257 28027 4911
85254 49904 3515
85258 24971 2966
85260 35908 2357
85250 16728 1546
85259 26587 467
85255 21374 326
85256 4877 88
85262 9264 40

 

CITY PROGRAMS THAT GIVE YOU PAYBACK

Scottsdale Water Department boosted rebates that support customers in optimizing irrigation systems, combating wasteful leaks and upgrading landscapes.
Improvements to the rebate program include: 

  • Increased residential grass removal rebates from $1 per square foot to $2, up to a total of $5,000 per property. Grass must be replaced with approved Arizona-friendly landscape.
  • A bonus of up to $10,000 for multifamily, HOA common area and commercial businesses when the grass removal rebate includes strips of grass less than eight feet wide and borders a city right-of-way or path.
  • New water efficiency technology rebates for both residents and commercial businesses.
  • An enhanced rebate for in-ground pool and/or spa removal to $400 plus $1 per square foot of water surface area.


Update on Civic Center Renovation project
. For more information on what the project will look like upon completion, please visit the project website.

The majority of earthwork is complete, and work continues on underground utilities for the remainder of the summer. Demolition work continues, most recently on the walkways on either side of Drinkwater Boulevard and at the west entry. Ultimately these access points to Civic Center will be wider and make Civic Center more accessible from all approaches. Hardscape improvements have begun, and foundations have been poured for most of the large structures. The slab has been poured for the new restroom and masonry work will begin next month. The lagoon is currently being reshaped to its new, water-saving configuration. Over the next several months concrete will continue to be poured for walkways and planters throughout Civic Center. This month, demolition work will take place on the walkway between the Scottsdale Center for the Arts and SMOCA and around Scottsdale City Hall. Access to all buildings will be maintained during construction but entry to certain areas might be inaccessible. Alternate entry points will be provided. The $27.3 million renovation of Scottsdale Civic Center was approved by voters in the 2019 Bond Election

 

DO YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED?

The Scottsdale Public Library is currently working on its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, and they want your feedback. Focus groups will meet at all four library branches this month, plus an online focus group for our digital only users and a separate online ‘tech focus’ group to talk about technology offerings at the library. (The ‘tech focus’ group is geared towards people who are proficient with cutting-edge technology to gain feedback on how Scottsdale Public Library can meet the tech needs of the community.) Each discussion will be about 30-45 minutes.
In-Person focus group information:
Appaloosa Branch – 11 a.m. – noon, Tuesday, July 19
Arabian Branch – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Thursday, July 21
Mustang Branch – 3 – 4 p.m., Monday, July 25
Civic Center Branch – 3 – 4 p.m., Friday, July 29
Interested in participating? Please fill out a Focus Group Registration form. Registration closes when we reach our capacity limit or on Wednesday, July 13, whichever comes first.

 



COGS Working Teams are forming for Fall action
COGS members (join www.coalitionofgreaterscottsdale.org) are volunteering to serve on working teams on key Scottsdale issues. Code Enforcement review, Equestrian Trials and facilities, Noise Ordinance and other disturbances, Neighborhood Issues and projects, Zoning ordinances, street and traffic projects and issues, Tourism issues Short Term Rental issues, Historic Old Town Preservation, McDowell Sonoran Preserve land purchases and maintenance funding, COGS membership campaign, COGS Donation Projects (SNAP and Scottsdale Heritage Collection) and others. Share you expertise and opinions.

 EVENTS and ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY
NEED ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR KIDS THIS FALL?

Fall 2022 Parks and Recreation Program Registration…yoga? Tennis? Water aerobics?

Don’t miss your chance to participate in Scottsdale Parks and Recreation’s September, October, November and December recreation programs! Registration opens 8 a.m., Monday, July 25 for residents, and 8 a.m., Tuesday, July 26 for non-residents.
Browse classes via the online registration system or view the activity brochure online.

 

 

Critter Fun: Herpetological Society

Ages 5 and up) Get up close and personal with a variety of amazing Arizona reptiles! A trained volunteer will talk about reptile behavior, habitat, preservation and safety. Space is limited, so please see a staff person prior to the start of the program to pick up a ticket which will be your registration.
Reptiles from Around the World – 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 12
Mustang Library
10101 N. 90th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Venom vs. Poison – 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 18
Arabian Library
10215 E McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Reptiles from Around the World – 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 19
Civic Center Library
3839 N Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Animal Prosthesis – 2 p.m., Thursday, July 21
Appaloosa Library
7377 E Silverstone Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Public Art—Classy 15 foot tall  Jackrabbit is sporting sunglasses? Take family/tourist picture with him at Indian School and Marshall Way (NWC). Another fun stop in Old Town Scottsdale!

 

Hoopla-FREE library goodies!

Back by popular demand – Hoopla returns to Scottsdale Public Library! Hoopla is a library digital service that streams movies, TV series, music, comics, e-books, and audiobooks that never have wait lines. Content can be streamed on most screens including mobile devices via the Hoopla app, through the website on desktop computers, and on many smart TVs. Read, listen, and watch up to five Borrows per month.
Maximize the power of your Scottsdale Public Library card and learn more about Hoopla at: Scottsdalelibrary.org/downloadables.
Western Spirit is a Blue Star Museum! FREE to active duty military
Blue Star Museums is a program offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families this summer through Labor Day, September 5, 2022. This is the first year participating in this program. For a list of participating museums, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps—and up to five family members.
Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.What to do with our out-of-town guests or bored family? New versions of Experience Scottsdale’s downloadable Old Town, Kids’, Western, and Arizona guides are now available on the Maps & Guides page of ExperienceScottsdale.com.What to do with our out-of-town guests or bored familyNew versions of Experience Scottsdale’s downloadable Old Town, Kids’, Western, and Arizona guides are now available on the Maps & Guides page of ExperienceScottsdale.com.

The Old Town Guide, one of our most popular guides, allows visitors to discover the unique districts that make up the vibrant heart of our city. The Kids’ Guide includes more than 40 fun activities, attractions, and dining options the whole family will love.
The Western Guide helps visitors indulge their inner cowboy with Western-themed activities, attractions, and events. And the Arizona Guide provides information on statewide sites that visitors can enjoy on a day trip from Scottsdale.

 

HERE it is….DETAILS ON THE SHORT TERM RENTAL NEW LAW

AZ Senate Bill 1168 authorizes more

Scottsdale control over Short Term Rentals.

Reference: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/55leg/2R/bills/SB1168P.htm
Activated law will be September 24th, 2022
Authority to require permits and licenses
Allows suspension of permits/licenses within guidelines when violations verified
Requires STR owner to have $500,000 aggregate insurance
Authorizes Scottsdale to issue Civil penalties against the owner (not the property)
Az State allows: $500 minimum first offense, $1,000 2nd and $3500 third.
Scottsdale city council authorized $250 first offense, $500 second, $1,000 third and $2000 fourth if within one year.   Unlawful gathering (party etc.) $750, $1500, $2000 and $2500 within one year. Habitual offenders with 4 or more in 24 months minimum $10,000 fine with $20K maximum.
Scottsdale passed ordinance that a Contact Person must appear in-person at the property within one hour of being called by officials.
Guest houses and Casitas may still not be rented separately from renting the main house.

 

How is COGS involved in some of the STR issues?
 COGS is working with several guest house/casita homeowners –many who have years of renting their separated guest house/casita on their primary residence. Their renters have been Mayo clinic patient’s families, and/or Arabian Horse Show, car shows, WestWorld participants, Parada/Western Week participants and other signature event guests. We will be recommending:
  1. Only one for-rent casitas/guest house may be located on the parcel.
  2. The STR must be properly licensed/permitted and recorded with the state, county, and city.
  3. The STR must be properly licensed/permitted and recorded with the state, county, and city.

 

HERE ARE THE FACTUAL NUMBERS SOME OF THE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES JUST DON’T BELIEVE
Former Planning Commissioner and now candidate for City Council tried to educate some of the other candidates at a recent forum
*****************************************************************

Current List of Approved Multifamily Units in City Pipeline* as of July 2022

Old Town 75 on 2nd 2-ZN-2019 25-DR-2019 SEC of 75th St & 2nd St Under Construction 39
South Scottsdale Alexan Scottsdale 21-ZN-2018 29-DR-2019 2001 Scottsdale Rd Under Construction 281
North Scottsdale Alta Raintree 6-ZN-2019 48-DR-2019 8688 E Raintree Dr Under Construction 330
Central Scottsdale Artesia 2-ZN-2005#2 15-DR-2022 NEC Scotts Rd & Indian Bend Approved/Not Built 551
Old Town Artisan Scottsdale 3-ZN-2021 SWC Marshall & Indian School Approved/Not Built 83
South Scottsdale Bella Alba (Alta Continental) 14-ZN-2018 1-DR-2022 1000 N Scottsdale Rd Approved/Not Built 281
South Scottsdale Broadstone Papago 6-ZN-2018 16-DR-2019 SWC of Scotts Rd & McDowell Under Construction 274
Old Town Canalside (Magnolia) 1-ZN-2020 10-DR-2022 5th Ave & Indian School NEC Indian Sch/5th Av 54
South Scottsdale Entrada (residential) 5-ZN-2016 47-DR-2019 McDowell & 64th Street Under Construction 735
Old Town Fashion Sq Residen. zoning Entitl. 25-ZN-2015 SWC of Highland & Scotts Rd Zoned 400-1,625 units /
Not Built
400
South Scottsdale Formation Scottsdale 6-ZN-2016 49-DR-2019 2040 N Scottsdale Rd Under Construction 170
South Scottsdale Gentry on Grn (phases IA & 1B) 11-ZN-2019 33-DR-2021 SWC of Camelback & Hayden Approved/Not Built 582
South Scottsdale Gentry on Green (phases 1C) 11-ZN-2019 SWC of Camelback & Hayden Approved/Not Built 632
South Scottsdale Gentry on Green (Ph II) 11-ZN-2019 SWC of Camelback & Hayden Approved/Not Built 670
North Scottsdale Gray Hawk at Cavasson 24-DR-2021 SEC of Legacy Blvd & Miller Rd Approved/Not Built 400
South Scottsdale Greenbelt 88 15-ZN-2020 SWC of Osborn Rd & Hayden Approved/Not Built 228
Old Town Hazel & Azure (Blue Sky) 65-ZN-1992#7 37-DR-2021 NEC of Scottsdale Rd & FS Dr Approved/Not Built 532
Old Town Kimsey Residential 10-ZN-2020 23-DR-2021 NWC Indian Sch. & Scotts. Rd Approved/Not Built 190
Old Town L’Espernace 13-ZN-2016 NWC E Earll Dr & Scottsdale Rd Approved/Not Built 77
Old Town Museum Square (Phase I) 13-ZN-2018 11-DR-2020 Arts District Approved/Not Built 92
Old Town Museum Square (PhaseII) 13-ZN-2018 Arts District Approved/Not Built 254
North Scottsdale One Scottsdale (Street Lights) 20-ZN-2002#3 30-DR-2021 7221 Legacy Blvd Approved/Not Built 314
North Scottsdale One Scottsdale (Portico/Belgrav) 20-ZN-2002#3 30-DR-2021#2 19701 Scottsdale Rd Approved/Not Built 112
North Scottsdale One Scottsdale (Balance of Zoningentitlements 1250 units less 314 & 112) 20-ZN-2002#3 30-DR-2021 7221 Legacy Blvd Zoning Approved/Not Built 824
Central Scottsdale Plameraie (incl Ph. 2: 41 Fendi) 7-ZN-2016#2 53-DR-2021 SWC Indian Bend & Scotts Rd Approved/Not Built 116
North Scottsdale San Artes 57-DR-2018 NWC of Hayden & Princess Under Construction 552
North Scottsdale San Bellara 29-DR-2020 NWC of Princess & 78th St Under Construction 181
Central Scottsdale Scottsdale & Mountainview 16-DR-2021 9880 Scottsdale Rd Approved/Not Built 85
Old Town Scottdale Collection 9-ZN-2020 SEC of Cmlbk & Scottsdale Rd Approved/Not Built 512
Old Town Scottsdale Residences 21-ZN-2016#2 9-DR-2020 Arts District Under Construction 130
South Scottsdale Southdale 5-ZN-2020 17-DR-2021 NEC of McDowell & 70th St Approved/Not Built 267
South Scottsdale Sycamore Apartments 8-DR-2020 6599 E Thomas Rd Under Construction 20
Old Town The Goldwater 4-ZN-2018 25-DR-2021 Goldwater & 4th St Approved/Not Built 40
North Scottsdale TCC-Rain Tree Resid. (High St) 19-ZN-2019 1-DR-2021 8555 E Raintree Dr Under Construction 192
Old Town The Miller 1/ZN-2021 5-DR-2022 NWC of Miller Rd & 6th St Approved/Not Built 148
Old Town Waterview Residential 19-ZN-2015 22-DR-2017#2 Camelback & 73rd Street Under Construction 240
TOTAL UNITS APPROVED (MINIMUM) 10,588
TOTAL UNITS APPROVED (UPPER ESTIMATE) 11,813

 

Current List of Approved Independent Living/Min. Care Medical Residential Units in Pipeline*

                                                                                                                                   Status         Units

Central Scottsdale  55 Resort Residences (55+) 17-DR-2020 NEC of 90th St & San Victor Under Construction 102
North Scottsdale      Greystar Independent Living 4-DR-2021 90th St north of Raintree Dr Approved/Not Built 155
South Scottsdale      Marvelle Arcadia (Sr Lvg Comm) 13-DR-2019 Thomas & 61st Place Under Construction 160
South Scottsdale      Osborn Res. HC (Inde Living)                                             1-ZN-2014 1-ZN-2014 1-DR-2014#2 SWC of Osborn Rd & Scotts Rd Approved/Not Built 132
North Scottsdale      Via at Cavasson (Inde Living) 41-DR-2021 NEC Miller & Cavasson Blvd Approved/Not Built 230
TOTAL INDEPENDENT LIVING/MIN CARE UNIT APPROVED 779

 

Current List Multifamily Developments Pending Council Approval*

North Scottsdale      Optima McDowell Mt Village 20-ZN-2002#4 44-DR-2017 18777 Scottsdale Road Pending Approval 1500
South Scottsdale      Scottsdale 3200 North 6-ZN-2022 48-DR-2017 3202 Scottsdale Road Pending Approval 150
Central Scottsdale  Scottsdale Rd & Gold Dust 4-ZN-2022 31-DR-2016 SEC of 70th St & 6th Ave Pending Approval 254
Central Scottsdale  92nd Ironwood 12-ZN-2018 TBD SWC of McDowell & 66th st Pending Approval 282
Central Scottsdale  9400 Shea TBD SWC of Hayden & Oak Pending Approval 219
TOTAL UNITS PENDING APPROVAL 2,405

 

TOTAL PIPELINE: UNITS APPROVED AND PENDING APPROVAL (MINIMUM)          13,772
TOTAL PIPELINE: UNITS APPROVED AND PENDING APPROVAL (UPPER ESTIMATE)      14,997

Notes: Listing does not include all developments w/fewer than 50 units.

Such a listing was requested, but city staff explained that gathering such information would take “aconsiderable amount of time.”
Source: City Council, Planning Commission, and Development Review Reports.
Use link to verify accuracy of projects on city’s website: https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/Cases/

Thank you for taking your valuable time to read to the bottom of this COGS newsletter. Being an informed resident is important. Please check out our website for additional information on previous newsletters and their content. COGS new website will be posted and impressive in August. Hope you enjoy the vastly increased information and images available for your review. From your COGS -Coalition of Greater Scottsdale—Board of Directors, Marilynn Atkinson, Jim Davis, Howard Myers, Sonnie Kirtley, Stan Morganstern, Copper Phillips, Chris Schaffner and Andrew Scheck

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