Comments on: Learn More About Scottsdale’s Desert Discovery Center

By: Stephanie Helfman

Stephanie Helfman — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:16:11 +0000

In my opinion, the nonprofit entity hired by the City, Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale (DDCS), is not qualified to provide the City or citizens the contracted services in an objective manner since it is publicly known that many of its members are privately vested in the project. The fact that this entity was the only respondent to the RFP should be cause to reconsider.

By: Andrea Keck

Andrea Keck — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:17:58 +0000

The most recent plan (2010) for this project called for 15 buildings, 74,000 sq ft, $74 million, with a $1.6 million annual operating deficit. Projecting 330,000 annual visitors; parking for up to 900 cars/buses. Though this may not be the final plan, it is clear that something of this scale is what is favored. City Council members, the Desert Discovery Center of Scottsdale, and representatives of the tourism industry are billing this as a “tourist attraction”. Planned amenities include a cafe, retail shop, night-time operations and night lighting (for parking)—all of which are currently prohibited by the Preserve Ordinance.

1. The Desert Discovery Center should NOT be built IN the Preserve. The Preserve was purchased by Scottsdale residents to be maintained as pristine desert in perpetuity. The city owns several plots of land nearby—put it there or on other private land.

2. A project of this scope and size should be brought to a PUBLIC VOTE (not decided by the City Council). Is this how Scottsdale residents want $50-70mil of their city’s resources spent? Or would they rather have better roads, police/fire, pay down debt, or build the city’s cash reserves? Let the public decide.

By: guy phillips

guy phillips — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 02:46:58 +0000

The city council has not authorized the DDC concept at the Gateway Trailhead. this is where the DDCs would like to put it but it has been authorized, or voted on, on that site.
You should know that most people oppose the DDC on this sight. The Preserve already hosts over 600,000 visitors per year. it does not need a giant facility charging money to see it.