Old Town parking garage petition prompts city manager study after heated public comments
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Summary
Business owners and residents submitted petitions opposing a proposed Brown and Second Street parking garage in Old Town; the council directed the city manager to investigate and prepare a written response rather than immediately agendizing a public hearing to reconsider the project.
Business owners and residents told the Scottsdale City Council on May 20 that a planned parking structure at Brown and Second Street would harm Old Town's historic character, displace the farmers market and nearby businesses, and damage tourism and small-business activity.
Michael Fernandez, who said he has operated a Pottery business in Scottsdale since 1951, submitted a petition and described the project as proposed across from the Old Adobe Mission and blacksmith shop; he asked the council to agendize a future public hearing to reconsider building a three-story concrete garage in the historic district. Madison Bridal, representing the Mission Restaurant, said the restaurant's guests and staff have not had parking problems and warned that lengthy construction would "severely compromise our business." Fernandez and Bridal described petition signatures totaling more than 1,500 gathered in recent weeks.
Council members debated how to respond. Mayor Lisa Borowski said the petition asks for additional time to find an alternate location; she proposed agendizing the matter. Councilman Barry Graham moved to direct the city manager to investigate and prepare a written response to council, a motion that Councilman Clausman seconded. An alternate motion to agendize the item was offered but did not gain majority support.
Council members who spoke during the debate said they wanted more detailed information before committing to a public hearing. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said the project is an active contract and asked staff to "identify every other possible location" and protect the farmers market; she supported directing the city manager to prepare a report. Councilwoman Mary Ann McAllen and Councilwoman Cathy Littlefield said they also supported a written staff report given the "many moving parts" involving the farmers market and property leases (including a parcel owned by HonorHealth).
The council voted to have the city manager prepare a written response and report back to the council and the petitioners; the motion passed. The report is to include legal, contractual and construction-related impacts and be provided to petitioners and councilmembers for further consideration. Council members did not rescind or halt any active contracts during the May 20 action.