By Patrick McGarry | Point of View
I strongly oppose the Axon rezoning request and development proposal for north Scottsdale and here’s why: If approved, it would create excessive density and significant traffic problems, deviating from the character and values we want for our city.
The potential traffic impact alone could overwhelm local streets, particularly north Hayden Road, which city traffic engineers already rate near failing in terms of “ease of use.” If this proposal is approved, the road could drop to an “F” grade, and lead to increased congestion on the north Loop 101. No improvements are proposed to increase the capacities of the Loop 101/Hayden interchange, which is already overwhelmed during peak periods.
A responsible real estate developer would not propose such a dense project. Axon, not being a traditional real estate developer, seems to misunderstand the implications of the proposed density.
It’s unusual, to say the least, that a developer isn’t on board to help Axon with its plan.
City officials are under pressure to quickly advance this project due to concerns that Axon may leave if their demands are not met — something the company has threatened multiple times.
Additionally, there is state pressure on the city to expedite an approval.
We agree that Axon should stay in Scottsdale but not without a dramatic reduction in density, our community’s No. 1 concern.
A responsible development proposal would earn full support from our community. Instead, this plan suggests a level of density that Scottsdale has never encountered before: 2,400 dwellings, including hotel rooms and apartments, on just 44 acres. That equates to a staggering 55 dwelling units per acre, believed to be the densest project ever proposed in the city, despite Axon’s false claims that there are more dense projects in this area.
We must ask ourselves: Who are we as a city, and what do we aspire to be? Do we want to become an urban jungle or a thoughtfully planned community? The city’s own General Plan, “A Decision-Making Guide for Quality Development and Programs,” does not support such an overwhelmingly dense project, and for good reason.
Axon has requested a “minor amendment” to the Scottsdale General Plan 2035, which citizens approved in 2021. But this is a “major amendment” because is asks to up-zone the property to allow residential and to allow exceptions on the density. If Axon’s request is approved, the city will be reshaping the plan and overruling city voters.
As the only single-family residential community immediately adjacent to the Axon land, we have much to lose and little to gain by such an inappropriate project. We have worked hard for our homes and do not want a negative hit on our property values. Plain and simple.
But it’s not too late: It’s possible a different project would be more suitable for the site. Right project, right place instead of wrong project, wrong place. We know the property will eventually be developed. All we ask is that city officials carefully consider the character of the area, the General Plan vision, and the single-family home neighborhood (us) affected.
Editor’s Note: Patrick McGarry is a resident of Scottsdale
