11/18/16 NOVEMBER 2016 - YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO AFFECT RURAL NEIGHBORHOODS

FULL ALERT --IF YOU WANT TO SAVE EQUESTRIAN AND

LARGE LOT/ACREAGE IN OUR CITY, read on....

The city staff has contacted all large acreage property owners in northern Scottsdale to comment on the proposed Land Use changes to the General Plan 2035 draft. As you would expect, any development-bent-owner reply will NOT want a change that challenges a future project to build smaller lots and more homes on their large acreage. Unfortunately, property owners with one home on 2.5 acres were not contacted by the city--only those larger 5, 10 and 40 acre parcel owners. We have many owners who highly value retaining their equestrian and large home lifestyle and support the Desert Rural Neighborhood new designation.

WHAT IS THE RURAL LAND USE recommendation by representatives of COGS and the former GP 2035 Task Force in their June 2016 conference?

·        The current Rural Land Use matrix would be split into two categories: Desert Rural Neighborhoods (1 dwelling unit on 2 or more acres) and Rural Neighborhoods   (1 dwelling unit on more than 1 and less than 2 acres).

·         If the rezoning request is made to decrease density, the application only requires a majority council vote to be approved.  

·         If the rezoning case requests an increase in density, it requires a Major General Plan Amendment hearing that occurs once a year.  More public hearings are held and approval requires at least 5 ‘yes’ votes from council –a super majority.

COGS POSITION: Separating Rural Land Use into two categories will differentiate the smaller acreage residential lots from the larger acreage parcels in a rezoning case. This does not stop an appropriate project but requires city council to a higher level of proposed project scrutiny.  How does it impact existing area homeowner’s investment?  Is it compatible with the character of the area?  With approval does the city maintain a balance of equestrian and luxury home options?

The two city meetings are only held in northern Scottsdale.  We believe that all residents want to preserve the equestrian and large lot-luxury homes character in central and northern Scottsdale.  City-wide residents are encouraged to comment. You can review the draft plan and submit feedback at General Plan 2035. E mail your opinion to Project Coordination Liaison, Sara Javoronok  sjavoronok@ScottsdaleAZ.gov and to the City Council at citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov.