Sneak Peeks: Desert Discovery Center and HB 2570 – Breaking News

 

By Les Conklin

March 29, 2015

Recent issues of The Peak have included articles about two topics of interest to many residents of our community, HB 2570 and the Desert Discovery Center.  If approved, HB 2570 would impact Scottsdale ordinances related to development and practices related to native plant conservation.  The proposed Desert Discovery Center, if completed, would provide a tourist and educational amenity complementing Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

March 25, 2015

HB 2570 Stalls

Subject: Re: Vote No on HB 2570; Save Scottsdale’s Character and the rest of AZ that you are elected to preserve!!!
From: Tim Conner <timbuck-2@cox.net>
To: Charlene Fernandez <CFernandez@azleg.gov>
CC:
Thank you Ms. Fernandez  for your reply and position on this bill.  We can only hope that many additional legislators become as insightful as you already are.
I appreciate your service to our State and will share your thoughtful reply with many leaders in my networks.

Respectfully.

Tim Conner, AIA
.

——– Original Message ——–
Subject: RE: Vote No on HB 2570; Save Scottsdale’s Character and the rest of AZ that you are elected to preserve!!!
From: Charlene Fernandez <CFernandez@azleg.gov>
To: ‘Tim Conner’ <timbuck-2@cox.net>
CC:
First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to participate in the legislative process by voicing your concerns regarding HB 2570   I do oppose this bill and my vote will reflect this opposition.  It is important to me that you know why I do not support this bill as it stands.

Arizona is home to a wide variety of climates and ecosystems.  A blanket bill such as HB 2570 would strip the authority of the town and city councils throughout Arizona from protecting the land that they are entrusted with.  Arizona is not a one size fits all state, therefore preserving the authority of our local town and city councils to know and provide for what is best for their community is paramount.  HB 2570 seeks to prohibit the cities and towns of Arizona from taking steps to preserve their environment. HB 2570 would leave all of Arizona’s native plants and environments defenseless by prohibiting local town and city councils from enacting regulations that are meant to protect.

I thank you again for taking the time to send me your thoughts on HB 2570.  Your voice is important and your input is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Charlene R. Fernandez
Member, District 4
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1700 West Washington Street, Ste. H-126
Phoenix, Arizona 85007-2844
Capitol: (602)926-3098
Toll Free: (800) 352-8404
Tucson: (520) 398-6000
cfernandez@azleg.gov
Commerce Committee Member
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

Read Peak Article Opposing HB 2570

 

March 29, 2015
Courtesy of A Peek at the Peakp

Scottsdale City Council: “Continue Work on Desert Discovery Center”

On March 24th, the Scottsdale City Council held a public work study session on the proposed Desert Discovery Center. Work study sessions provide a less formal setting for the mayor and council to discuss specific topics, at length, with each other and city staff.

Kroy Ekblaw, the City of Scottsdale’s Strategic Projects/Preserve Director presented information about the center, discussing its origins, past city actions, and on-going planning efforts. Following Ekblaw’s presentation, council members asked questions and commented on the project. There was strong agreement that the center would be beneficial to Scottsdale’s tourism industry and that staff should continue work on the center. Members also acknowledged that there were numerous details and issues, including funding, location, and existing ordinances that remained to be dealt with as the project progresses.

Read About Desert Discovery Center

 

Author: Les Conklin

Les Conklin is a resident of north Scottsdale He founded Friends of the Scenic Drive, the Monte de Paz HOA and is the president of the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association. He was named to Scottsdale's History Maker Hall of Fame in 2014. Les is a past editor of A Peek at the Peak and the author of Images of America: Pinnacle Peak. He served on the Scottsdale's Pride Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, the boards of several local nonprofits and was a founding organizer of the city's Adopt-A-Road Program.. Les is a volunteer guide at the Musical Instrument Museum.

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