Councilman Graham leads opposition against proposed Old Town parking garage in Scottsdale

A heated debate over a proposed parking garage in Scottsdale's historic Old Town District dominated the City Council meeting on May 20, 2025. Councilman Graham led the charge, urging fellow council members to reconsider the decision to build the garage, which he claims is opposed by the majority of residents. "Undoing harmful decisions," he emphasized, calling for a public hearing to allow community voices to be heard.

Graham's remarks were echoed by local business owners, including Madison Kendall, who represented the Mission Restaurant. Kendall argued that the area already has sufficient parking and that the construction of the garage would disrupt local businesses. "The lengthy, noisy, and cumbersome construction would cause street closures and severely compromise our business," she stated, highlighting the potential negative impact on the local economy.

Both Graham and Kendall presented petitions with over 1,500 signatures from residents and visitors opposing the garage's location. They urged the council to consider alternative sites that would better serve the community's needs without jeopardizing the charm of Old Town.

The council is now faced with a decision: to schedule a public hearing for further discussion or to dismiss the petitions. The outcome could significantly influence the future of development in Scottsdale's historic district, as residents demand their concerns be prioritized.