Alexander: Kimsey project hits all the right boxes

Mayor Ortega and City Councilors,

I strongly support the Kimsey project at 71st and Indian School, and hope you will support it too.

All four members of my family support this project. I work in software, my wife is an economist, my children are students — we have no ties to this project.

We are engaged residents and soon-to-be voters who want Scottsdale to have a vibrant economy, financial investment, a strong retail and hotel sector, and be a thriving community where our children can settle after college.

In addition to we four residents, I have spoken to many other Scottsdale residents who share our values and aspirations for the city, and likewise support the Kimsey project.

Height and density in Old Town are good things that we support, when the project is as good as the Kimsey and offer so many public benefits.

I watched John Berry’s presentation to the Planning Commission, and he checked all the boxes for why this project should be granted height allowances.

During each of your last campaigns, development was a key issue, and each of you defended your support of quality growth.

If not this project, what more specifically would be needed to get this project across the line? Categorical rejection of height and density is anti-growth, and not befitting our city and our children’s future. I hope you will all live up to your campaign promises and support quality infill.

Editor’s Note: Jason Alexander is a resident of Scottsdale and community advocate.