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Activists partially to blame for complaints
At the risk of once again finding myself on the receiving end of activists’ flaming arrows, I feel obligated to point out that if south Scottsdale isn’t all that Darlene Peterson and other area activists hoped it would be, they have to assume some of the responsibility.
Los Arcos Mall struggled as retailers moved out due to a lack of business, according to the retailers. Councilman Jim Lane blames the mayor for the arena fiasco. But it is important to remember that area activists and residents fought the arena plan due to its size, proximity to neighborhoods and the fear that it would create dreaded traffic, an activist’s worst nightmare after height, density and mass transit.
No sooner had the developer of Los Arcos Crossing unveiled plans for that site — which included a new grocery store, restaurants and smaller retail — some area activists began to hyperventilate. Yes, it seems that activists who have long bemoaned most projects due to the traffic they would create are now faced with a problem of their own making — no traffic thanks to businesses moving out, few moving in and the general rundown appearance of the area.
Most of us would welcome some new development, even if it is more than one story tall, unless we are content to have south Scottsdale become the check cashing/pawn shop district for Scottsdale.
Congratulations, south Scottsdale activists and your mentors on the City Council. While you were busy saving Scottsdale from the evils of height and density, blight crept in under cover of darkness. Shhh, don’t tell anyone — maybe they won’t notice.
Lisa Haskell is a Scottsdale resident.
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