Save the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive: Do you see red?

Posted By Cindy Lee on Aug 24, 2015

By Cindy Lee

Map of Proposed Rezoning Areas from ASLD 19-ZN-2014

AZ State Land Department (ASLD) has a proposal, Case 19-ZN-2014, to shift 40 acres of commercial rezoning plus 26 acres of resort/tourism rezoning from a Suburban Neighborhood location into state trust land zoned Residential Rural Neighborhood on the east side of N. Scottsdale Road between Happy Valley and Jomax Roads.  This transfer is stated to be consistent with the City of Scottsdale General Plan (GP) 2001 ratified by voters in 2002, as well as the General Plan Amendment Case 4-GP-2002. The Conceptual Land Use Map, Page 77 Land Use Element in the GP 2001, shows commercial development areas in RED. See Map pg. 77. Commercial = Red.

Did You Know:

Many of us not only see red in the map, but we are seeing red for the following nine reasons.

#1. The considerable city planning that went into the GP 2001 envisioned distinctly different development patterns and characteristics between Suburban and Rural Neighborhoods. (Refer to GP 2001 link, Pages 44 and 45). The GP 2001 Conceptual Land Use Map page 77 shows commercial development (red) within Rural Neighborhoods is limited to arterial intersection centers. The same restriction does not apply in Suburban Neighborhoods. The proposed switch would set a precedent in placing commercial development in a Rural Neighborhood centered between Happy Valley and Jomax Roads along Scottsdale Road, NOT at a corner arterial intersection. Do you see red?

#2. The 66-acre rezoning of residential rural neighborhood for commercial and resort/tourism development represents more than four times the 15.29 acreage of the new Silverstone shopping center anchored by Sprouts Market at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Pinnacle Peak Road, less than two miles south of the proposed relocation. Do you see red?

Scenic Drive Exhibit Sign Located on Site of Proposed Commercial Zoning.

 #3. ASLD’s rezoning proposal is in response to the City’s request to purchase another 394 acres to add to the Preserve. The state’s action is driven by the applicant. In exchange for the City acquiring the contiguous acres east of Pima Road, rural residents neighboring the Scottsdale Road location between Happy Valley and Jomax roads will sacrifice 66 acres of remaining open Sonoran desert that was zoned rural neighborhood. Do you see red?

#4.  The zoning switch from Suburban Neighborhood to Rural Neighborhood site—some five miles away—claims to be supported by the technicality of star and circle markers “Location not yet determined” on the GP 2001 Map (Pg 77). Local homeowners who chose a rural desert quality of life and referenced the GP 2001 map before making financial investments in their homes will suffer from “Let the buyer beware” caveat emptor, unaware that the star and circle gave the city and state such wide permission. The switch would otherwise require a Major General Plan Amendment. Do you see red?

 #5. The landmark Desert Foothills Scenic Drive entrance and visitor exhibit are located at Scottsdale Road north of Happy Valley Road. The Scenic Drive was created by local residents in 1963 and has been maintained by citizens choosing to preserve and showcase the native plants and open Sonoran desert. The Scenic Drive received continued support from the county and later City of Scottsdale government for over 52 years. May 2013 was proclaimed Scenic Drive month by the Mayor of Scottsdale. Two years later, preservation of remaining rural neighborhood and open desert along Scottsdale’s signature road is at risk for commercial development by the proposed land transaction. Do you see red?

  #6. More than 1.5 million square feet of developed commercial and office space already exists within a 3.8 mile radius of the entrance to the Scenic Drive. This does not include the enormous Whole Foods and Mayo 101 shopping centers 4+ miles away, nor does this include The Summit, Terravita or El Pedregal shopping centers further north on Scottsdale Road. Desert Ridge shopping center represents 1.2 million square feet of commercial space. Sixty-six acres of commercial and resort/tourism development equals 2.9 million total area square feet. Do you see red?

 #7. A tremendous amount of time and study, as well as citizen input, went into the planning reflected in the GP 2001 ratified by voters in 2002. At that time, the 66 acres of commercial and resort/tourism development was placed within Suburban Neighborhood zoning with two to four dwelling units per acre, where it made sense to support a future residential community with that density and no services in close proximity. Insufficient study or impact analysis of commercial and resort/tourism development at the Scottsdale Road rural neighborhood location has been provided. This is not a well-considered planning alternative. Do you see red?

#8.  The Desert Foothills Character Area Plan adopted in 1999 was developed over a 17-year period, with thousands of hours of city staff, commissioners and citizen involvement. The intent was to preserve the rural desert character and heritage within areas of North Scottsdale, distinct from other parts of the city. As a policy document, the Character Area Plan is considered equally important to the GP 2001, allowing for low-density and large lot development, including horse privilege neighborhoods. Forty acres of commercial development would be at odds with this intention to preserve the rural lifestyle, open space and unique environment of the area. Do you see red?

#9. Destroying native plants and remaining open desert for another new shopping center on N. Scottsdale Road does not represent “the greater good” for area residents or the local community. This is not the only option or solution available. It is merely the only one currently being considered. The exchange places the entire burden of commercial and resort/tourism rezoning onto citizens of one area. This does not represent balance or fairness on the part of the city or the state. Do you see red?

Scottsdale citizens who have an issue with any of the facts are encouraged to express opposition to the state’s proposed rezoning case 19-ZN-2014.

The Greater Pinnacle Peak Association/Friends of the Scenic Drive have a petition for Scottsdale voters to sign and return. Please provide an email address or telephone number as well, if you wish to be contacted when the time comes for citizens to show up at City Hall and be counted.

Thank you for your support!

.Related Articles

Save Scenic Drive: Stay True to Scottsdale General Plan & Character Area Plan – Published: June 14, 2015
See “Save the Scenic Drive” Videos – Published: May 1, 2015