Neighbors tell Scottsdale DRB Arden project would block sunlight, reduce privacy at Casa De Amigos

Two residents of Casa De Amigos condominiums told the Scottsdale Development Review Board on Sept. 25, 2025, that a proposed development called the Arden (case 32DR2024) would place a three‑story building within about 15–21 feet of their units’ bedroom windows, blocking natural light and reducing privacy.

The comments came during the meeting’s public‑comment period and were made by Mylene Pankiewicz, who identified herself as a resident at 303 North Miller Road, Unit 2019, and Trevor Krause, who identified himself as the HOA president and a property owner at 303 North Miller Road, Casa De Amigos Condominiums.

Pankiewicz said the plans show “a 3 story 100 foot long proposed building in the southeast corner of the development [that is] less than 21 feet away from our bedroom windows, completely removing our natural light,” and that the design includes “10 balconies facing our bedroom windows at this minimal distance.” She told the board she has “been provided band aids for these issues that are not truly fixing the design shortcomings,” and said proposed remedies such as privacy film and additional trees would not restore lost sunlight.

Krause told the board his unit sits “only 15 feet east from a lot where there's a proposed development that you'll vote on in your next meeting, the Arden, which is case number 32DR2024.” He said he and neighbors understand the R‑5 zoning standards and that developers can build to minimum setbacks, but that the Arden plans show “a lack of context sensitivity” and would leave “a perpetual shadow on our trees and bedrooms.” Krause said the community tried to work with the developer but was told the layout could not be reorganized.

Both speakers said they were not opposed to development in principle but urged the board to review the Arden case with attention to solar access, separation between buildings, landscape impacts, and privacy. They cited specific concerns: a roughly 3‑story structure sited about 15–21 feet from existing bedrooms, decades‑old trees that would lose sun exposure, and balconies that would look directly into units. Krause added that approval “will set a precedent in our neighborhood of non context sensitive construction.”

The board did not take action on the Arden case during this meeting; both commentators asked board members to review the project packet before the scheduled hearing where the DRB will consider the design and related stipulations.

The transcript shows these remarks occurred during the non‑agendized public comment period; no formal motion, staff direction, or vote on the Arden plans occurred at this meeting.