Scottsdale has done quite well without me. After first living here in the late 1960s and returning permanently in 2014, I am flummoxed by how the city’s master plan of that era was so right and so wrong.
That plan, maps and all, rested on a large conference table at City Hall where anyone could read and speculate-- literally-- on the pace of northward expansion. As a reporter for local media, I sometimes covered the city council and spent hours studying planning documents. Like almost all who looked into this crystal ball, I failed to buy even one acre of the raw land that would blossom into what we now call North Scottsdale.
Looking North, the plan’s vision of a burgeoning suburb was largely prescient, although the seductiveness of development dollars and rising tax revenue often overwhelmed the best intentions of past City Councils to modulate growth. Nevertheless, this Northern Territory has become a resort and residential magnet recognized internationally for its quality of life.
WRONG
Looking South, the plan’s goal to preserve Scottsdale’s authentic Western small town flavor as the core attraction for visitors and residents alike has been challenged. It has been challenged by economic vagaries beyond the city’s control, of course, but also by many decisions of past City Councils that have blurred that romantic and essential vision of Scottsdale’s heart and soul.
Later posts will ask what’s next for Scottsdale, as well as provide candid observations on Arizona and beyond.
That plan, maps and all, rested on a large conference table at City Hall where anyone could read and speculate-- literally-- on the pace of northward expansion. As a reporter for local media, I sometimes covered the city council and spent hours studying planning documents. Like almost all who looked into this crystal ball, I failed to buy even one acre of the raw land that would blossom into what we now call North Scottsdale.
RIGHT
Looking North, the plan’s vision of a burgeoning suburb was largely prescient, although the seductiveness of development dollars and rising tax revenue often overwhelmed the best intentions of past City Councils to modulate growth. Nevertheless, this Northern Territory has become a resort and residential magnet recognized internationally for its quality of life.
WRONG
Looking South, the plan’s goal to preserve Scottsdale’s authentic Western small town flavor as the core attraction for visitors and residents alike has been challenged. It has been challenged by economic vagaries beyond the city’s control, of course, but also by many decisions of past City Councils that have blurred that romantic and essential vision of Scottsdale’s heart and soul.
Later posts will ask what’s next for Scottsdale, as well as provide candid observations on Arizona and beyond.
This is a good start, John. At the root of it all is the 'golden rule' dynamic. The developers and the liquor industry are the only folks who believe that it is worthwhile to invest in Scottsdale city government (i.e., campaign contributions). While it doesn't cost anything to vote, even ordinary citizens prefer staying at home and remaining unaware.
ReplyDeleteThe worse it gets, the more the average resident/voter will pay attention. But by the time we have a critical mass, it will be too late to preserve not only the character of Scottsdale, but also the virtuous cycle of fiscal sustainability that comes from our major industry, tourism.