Comments on: Learn About Desert Discovery Center

By: Patricia Shaler

Patricia Shaler — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 00:07:13 +0000

In reply to Bob Burnand. I would really like to find out what the truth is about the push to locate it on the Preserve. I just cannot buy that it is the only or best location after some 'study'. Also, the DDCS folks have lost any credibility they may have had with me with their flimsy justificaions and excuses presented at the public forums.

By: Bob Burnand

Bob Burnand — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 16:18:33 +0000

The DDC should not be located in the preserve.The preserve is a wonderful place Don’t destroy it

By: Patricia Shaler

Patricia Shaler — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 21:01:41 +0000

In reply to Sunshine Torczon.

Go here http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council and e-mail, write or call Mayor Lane & all City Council members and tell them no on DDC @ Gateway or that you want them to put it on the ballot in Aug or Nov and let the voters decide.
Also, Howard Myers sponsors the Face Book Page for us who object – Friends of Scottsdale Preserve, and you can contact him to sign a Petition that he will put before the City Council demanding that the issue of the location be put to a vote. Howard Myers

Phone: 480-473-0109 (home)
480-262-3502 (Cell)
E-mail: howard.myers@cox.net

By: Patricia Shaler

Patricia Shaler — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 15:06:24 +0000

Write, call or e-mail the Scottsdale City Council with your objections and insist that, at a minimum the issue of location at Gateway Trailhead be placed before the voters. http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council
Second, Howard Myers is leading the effort to submit a Petition to the City Council demanding a vote. 480-473-0109 (home)
480-262-3502 (Cell)
E-mail: howard.myers@cox.net
And, FB Page Friends of Scottsdale Preserve.
I resigned as a MSC Steward b/c of the management censorship of any comments against the Gateway placement.
At the Steward DDC Forum, it was clear that a majority of MSC Stewards object to this; however, the MSC is thwarted any attempt for us to discuss or connect. I also believe that they are handing out “pro- DDC @ Gateway” info at the Gateway Trailhead to visitors.

By: Sunshine Torczon

Sunshine Torczon — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 14:08:34 +0000

I am against the DDC in the preserve. The preserve is perfect the way it is. The city Council should leave it alone.

By: Tony D'Anna

Tony D'Anna — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 14:54:57 +0000

This article makes it seem like this is something that the majority has wanted for 30 years when in reality most Scottsdale residents and proponents of the Preserve have been against since it could devastate Scottsdale vibrant economy and would destroy one of the nation’s public jewels. I am sure these comments will never get posted as censorship of true feelings is a big part of the strategy to get this monstrosity built.

By: Lisa DeBiase

Lisa DeBiase — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 23:58:24 +0000

I am against the proposed DDC. I went to the meeting the other night and I failed to see how the stated objectives of the DDC cannot be met with the current facilities at Gateway (which are not fully utilized). The last proposal was for 15 buildings at a cost of $70million+. I do not understand how this could possibly be needed or justified.

The stated objectives:

1) Research: No buildings are needed for this — go out in the desert and do your work

2) Education: we have an amphitheater and covered space at the Gateway now. To my knowledge, they are seldom used. Put a canopy over the amphitheater and begin hosting educational events. Some of those mentioned at the meeting were: have local rescue groups bring animals (great — do it now) and to partner with the Native American groups to have things like a sunset / sunrise ceremony (great — do it now). Again, no additional building is needed — make use of the space you have before building more!

3) Access for all: We currently have a path that allows access for those who do not wish to hike, ride or horseback ride. I’ve taken an elderly family member there. It teaches about the desert and allows you to feel a part of the trails. No additional building is needed. If you feel that better access is needed, then build another trail to allow more access inside the desert. The cost would be minimal.

The DDC stated that they also wanted to have a gift shop and cafe. Neither of these appear to be in the stated objectives, so I fail to see the need for either of these facilities within a preserve.

What was not mentioned was the impact on the access for those of us who regularly use Gateway. The Gateway Loop is the main trail accessed by everyone and during high season, it gets pretty busy. I’ve been there when a bus of people came through. It wasn’t fun to get around them. Adding more people, more buses, will impact the enjoyment of the preserve for the PEOPLE OF SCOTTSDALE.

In addition, the Gateway trails directly access the neighboring communities. The trail goes right behind my house. Bringing in 300,000+ tourists with direct access to the communities does not sound like a well thought out decision.

By: Yingchun He

Yingchun He — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:54:10 +0000

Preserve means no mass buildings.

By: Amber Kindberg

Amber Kindberg — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:36:47 +0000

Something this large of scale would ruin the landscape. Do not put the DOC on a preserve. I would support something of this nature in another area. I saw at one of the meetings that there was plenty of area near West World. The pavilions should be moved there. I would happily be an advocate for the DOC if the location was moved. The preserve is a special place and doesn’t need to be “enhanced”. Leave the preserve what it is- A Preserve!

By: Jennifer Haley

Jennifer Haley — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:06:52 +0000

I have been to the meetings and only know people who are against building the DDC, not one person for it. Please explain to us exactly how this will help our community and nature. Every discussion emphasized only that the DDC will be good neighbors and attract visitors to the area. Research can be accomplished without building. Partnerships and education and tourism can be enhanced by having events during the high season (rather than a facility unused between May-Oct). My children and I attended McDowell Mtn Conservacy even last month and it was phenomenal. Do more of these events with ZERO footprint rather than what you are proposing. I am very suspicious as to who is truly benefiting behind the scenes.