June 8, 2018
By Les Conklin
President, GPPA-Friends of the Scenic Drive
“Divine Desert Drive” by Chad Weaver, Carefree – Winner Scenic Drive Category, 2015 Summer Fun Photo Contest
The Greater Pinnacle Peak Association Board of Directors has voted unanimously to oppose the proposed development and new commercial zoning on Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive. We urge our readers and members to join us in opposing this project. Check The Peak often for the status of efforts to save the Scenic Drive.
Friends of the Scenic Drive is a corps of volunteers, within the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. Founded in 1994 by residents of north Scottsdale, Friends works to preserve and enhance the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, an area landmark since 1963. Friends conducts regular litter pickup programs and maintains Scenic Drive plant exhibits and monuments.
Dedicated Volunteers Speak Out
Since we published “Displeased Neighbors Pack May 30th Meeting Vigorously Oppose Commercial Zoning,” The Peak has received numerous emails from residents stressing their opposition. Below are messages from the past president of Friends of the Scenic Drive, Edie Shannon, and Jim Shuttenberg, a founding member of Friends of the Scenic Drive.
Edie Shannon’s Note
“This is the 2009 Scenic Corridor and trails analysis. Perhaps the council is unaware. Maybe they were not around, or maybe they have forgotten. We need to remind them. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. A storage facility is not a proper use of our Scenic Drive. Thank you. Edie Shannon.”
City of Scottsdale Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, Scenic Corridor & Trails Analysis
Jim Schuttenberg’s Note
“The proposed project is out-of-place. It also inappropriate for the northwest corner of Lone Mountain Road and Scottsdale Road.
“The web address of the Scottsdale City Council is www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council. There is a link on that page to email Mayor Jim Lane. There are also photos of the other six council members on that page. Clicking on any one of them will display a page with a link to email that council member. For example, clicking the photo for Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield displays the page www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/councilwoman-kathy-littlefield. A link for emailing her is near the top of the page.
“I’ve attached a document describing this treasure that is in our own back yard. Ironically, I obtained the document from the City of Scottsdale website. The council members should have to do no more than read this document and then promptly vote NO on this terrible monstrosity that will be a blight on the Scenic Drive. Best regards, Jim Schuttenberg.”
City of Scottsdale Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, Scenic Corridor & Trails Analysis
Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive, Historic Landmark
Sometimes the most obvious strength’s of a community are ignored. New residents might be unaware of the importance and history of Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive, a. k. a. Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, which was established by Maricopa County resident in 1963. It was the first “scenic corridor” in the county. Click on the link below to review a summary of the drive’s history.
Scenic Drive Heritage Timeline
Help Save the Scenic Drive
We need your help! Please speak up.
Contact Us – We need help contacting local HOAs and residents about this threat to the Scenic Drive. To volunteer, email info@gppaaz.org or info@scenicdrive.org. Help spread the word. If you have a friend or acquaintance who lives in a different neighborhood near the Scenic Drive, please tell them about this article and request for help.
Become a Member Make a DonationRequest Newsletter – We will be following the project closely. By requesting our complimentary newsletter you will receive email notification regarding publication of The Peak magazine and Friends of the Scenic Drive activities.
Request NewsletterPublish an Advertisement or Advertorial – If you support Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive, consider publishing an advertisement or advertorial in The Peak magazine. The Peak is produced by volunteers and advertising revenue directly supports GPPA causes, including the Scenic Drive. Given its local popularity and affordable rates, there is no more effective way to gain valuable exposure for your business, cause or event. For information, email info@gppaaz.org or info@thepeakaz.org
About GPPA
GPPA was founded in the Pinnacle Peak area of Scottsdale in 1977 and is a 501 c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of the natural environment and the enhancement of quality of life in the North Scottsdale Sonoran Desert. We support Scottsdale’s Scenic Drive, preservation of the natural environment, the arts, education, responsible development, and community service through our publications, initiatives and grants. GPPA has published A Peek at the Peak (The Peak) as a free community service since 1983.
Additional Scenic Drive Information
Scenic Drive Information Directory
The Peak Welcomes Your Comment
GPPA Membership Make a Donation to GPPA Peak Advertisements & Advertorials
June 17, 2018
Please keep us informed with the date and time of the zoning hearing.
June 17, 2018
I’m sure we will be posting an article when the next public meeting is coming up. Keep an eye on the Peak. We also publish Scottsdale’s P & Z Link Newsletters when they come out every two weeks. Right now the case is listed under New but that will be updated with additional info as it progresses. Also, we have posted an update to this article, entitled “More Opposition to Commercial Facility on the Scenic Drive. It was first posted on June 15. Les