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Henninger: Scottsdale’s visionary leadership demonstrated through SouthBridge Two approval

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The Scottsdale City Council’s approval of the SouthBridge Two development is a strong investment in the future of Old Town and the city that will pay off for years to come.

OK, that’s an opinion and everyone has their own.

But the City Council, at least the four who voted Dec. 4 to approve the project, should be applauded for basing their decision on the facts of the project --- not the emotions, opinions or fears of those who oppose or even support the idea.

Here are the facts on the project:

•SouthBridge is a $750 million mixed-use project of condos, office and retail space and a hotel on 10 acres along the south bank of the canal in Old Town.

•It also will refurbish and modernize the shops along Fifth Avenue.

•It is the brainchild of a local family with deep roots in the city, the Ungers, who have been planning this project for 25 years. The Unger team has a proven track record of building iconic developments that are among the strongest properties in Arizona, including the Royal Palms, Hermosa Inn and SouthBridge One.

•Fred Unger died almost two years ago, and Carter, his son, took the reins. Carter has done his homework, been transparent in the process, meeting with anyone who has had questions or concerns, including the tenants along Fifth Avenue and others nearby who will be affected by the project, receiving overwhelming support from them for what he is planning.

•Carter Unger has assembled a solid team of investors and partners that assure he has the means and support to get the job done right.

•The project conforms with the guidelines for development that the city requires and were approved in 2018 and 2019. It also was approved by the Design Review Board and Planning Commission, both with unanimous votes.

•It has wide ranging support from leaders in the business, community and civic sectors.

The City Council approval was based on those facts. It also was a decision that did not ignore the challenges that will need to be solved along the way --- most notably transportation access. Smart people can and will develop solutions for that.

Good things can happen when decisions are based on facts and reasonable people come together, check their emotions and egos at the door, and figure out how to collaborate to position the city for a successful future.

That’s the sign of a progressive city, one with visionary leadership --- the same traits that made Scottsdale the success that it is today.

Editor’s note: Mr. Henninger is executive director of the Scottsdale Coalition of Today & Tomorrow. He also serves as a boardmember of Independent Newsmedia