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Opinion

Fishman: A letter to City Council as it considers Old Town Scottsdale guidelines

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I cannot emphasize enough the need for growth in Scottsdale. Great cities and great companies don’t get better or maintain their status without growth.

I believe the Scottsdale debate between limiting growth and allowing for growth is misunderstood due to the rhetoric from political divisions.

Building heights and density are not growth. They are the fighting words used by growth opponents. This is a mating call to many citizens who are inclined to keep Scottsdale the same. Many of those citizens fail to fully understand the economic consequences of this position.

It also does not comport with the current general plan, which has nothing to do with zoning. Growth includes building heights and density when properly located, designed, and of value to the specific area. It also includes the arts, opportunities, community engagement, transportation, open space and more.

In the revitalization chapter of the general plan, it is recognized that most of the future development in Scottsdale will consist of revitalization redevelopment and infill projects. It also emphasizes certain growth areas.

This recognizes an intention to direct high intensity growth and development to preserve lower-intensity and open space throughout our community. It also emphasizes the need to preserve community character but allow for growth to reach other required goals of economic vitality, further development of arts and culture, and becoming a continuously desirable entry point for visitors.

In addition, the growth of downtown must be effectively utilized as an area of growth allowing for smart and world class density and architecture. Today our government seems more inclined to say no to new projects. It this continues our economic viability will greatly diminish within the next decade and probably sooner. Do we want to continue to double down on tourism as our economic engine or have a greater percentage of our revenues from a diversity of sources?

Great leaders see the future and make decisions, often difficult, regardless of the politics and re-election consequences. Currently our City Council is not doing so. Perhaps this is due to the rather weak performance objectives of council in support of the strategic plan.

For instance, the Economic Vitality objective has numerous elements incomplete. However, of even greater importance is the objectives themselves.

Are they specific and measurable? Who does the evaluation?

For starters I would have City Council rethink its objectives as well as do a self evaluation of its performance during the last 12-18 months. This should be presented to the public. I would also suggest that Mayor Ortega start this process in his annual review of the city.

We have a great place to live, play, and grow personally and professionally. So far, I mostly see accolades for who we are and not for who we should strive to become. Please move forward in a thoughtful way to ensure our continued success in the future. Right now, we are stagnant and riding the wave of tourism.

Editor’s Note: Robert Fishman is a resident of Scottsdale.