June 26, 2018 Updated
By Les Conklin
President, GPPA-Friends of the Scenic Drive
6/23/2018 – Despite the objections of hundreds of residents present at the developer’s open house, the applicatnt has filed a formal request with the City of Scottsdale. See “New Cases” in the June 21st issue of Scottsdale’s P&Z Link Newsletter.
“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 Junevoted 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. Visit 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
COGS Board of Directors Details Objections to Storage Facility Proposal
The Coalition of Greater Scottsdale (COGS) has issued a position paper opposing the proposed self-service storage facility on the N/W corner of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Lone Mountain Road. Click on the link below to view the letter.
.
Eventful Five Years Added to “50 Years (Almost) Down the Drive”
In 2012, I wrote a summary of the history of the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. It was entitled “50 Years (Almost) Down the Road.” Sometimes the most obvious strength’s of a community are ignored, even forgotten. It’s not unusual for new residents to be unaware of the importance and history of a local landmark. Also, time flies when you are having fun – five years worth – and for those reason, I’ve updated the history. Click on the link below to review “55 Years Down the Road.”
Can you imagine what this area was like 50 years ago? It was quiet and lonely. Yet residents were far-sighted enough to take action to preserve roadside vegetation and vistas. Now their actions and all the protective actions taken in the ensuing decades, by so many peole, are threatened by creeping normalism in the form of a commercial storage facility.
55 Years Down the Road
Note. “55 Years Down the Road” was updated on June 17th.
Help Save the Scenic Drive
We need your help! Please support our efforts to save the Scenic Drive..
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 16, 2018
Scenic will no longer be scenic!
June 17, 2018
I first posted the updated history of the Scenic Drive on June 15th. I added some more information today, the 17th of June. If you looked at it before the 17th, you might want to look again. A lot has happened since I wrote the piece five years ago. Editor
July 15, 2018
From COGS: Public hearings on Lone Mountain Storage are: Thurs. Sept 13 at Copper Ridge School 5 to 7 pm hosted by the city; Wed Oct 3rd Copper Ridge Planning Commission hearing 5 pm; Wed October 24th in the Kiva/city hall Planning Commission 5 pm and finally at city council Monday Dec 10 or Tues the 11th starting 5 pm. MARK YOUR CALENDAR AND ATTEND EVERY ONE OF THESE TO SHOW YOUR OPPOSITION.