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Opinion

Graham: Listening to residents isn’t enough

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Every candidate running for City Council says that if elected, they will “listen” to residents. We have heard that before, only to be disappointed after they were elected.

I don’t believe listening is enough.

Since I began my “Put Residents First” campaign for council, I’ve communicated with thousands of residents. Several themes have emerged: The overwhelming majority of residents say they are worried that there is little regard given to their opinions about how “runaway development” is impacting their quality of life.

They tell me they want our city’s economy to grow and prosper. They also say it’s important to make sure the city enforces standards for “quality development.”

I agree with residents — Protecting our city’s character is paramount to preserving our quality of life, expanding our economy, and attracting visitors.

Quality standards aren’t just about design, aesthetics, building materials or even height and density. They include ensuring resident input about a project’s appropriateness for an area. That’s why I support doubling the minimum-radius of community outreach for projects from 750-feet (less than three football fields) to at least 1,500-feet.

Another way to assure better development is asking developers to submit construction mitigation plans with projects, especially in higher-density areas like Old Town. Unregulated construction activities can reduce parking availabilities and increase traffic congestion that hurt existing businesses.

A third way to pursue quality development is more water-consumption transparency. Given the challenges of the current drought conditions, why not require developers to disclose the amount of water their projects, particularly multi-family ones, are projected to consume?

Residents support sustainable growth and quality development. Of the thousands of contacts I’ve had with citizens, not once have I heard someone say they were “anti-growth” or “against development.” Those are counter-productive terms used to polarize the discussion.

As a member of the city’s Planning Commission, I wasn’t influenced by political hyperbole. I carefully scrutinized projects and focused intensely on residents’ feedback. I never went along to get along, nor did I hesitate to reject projects like Greenbelt 88 or the Shea Corridor apartment projects that a majority of residents opposed.

While it’s important for councilmembers to listen — listening isn’t enough.

If elected to the City Council, I will respond to citizen feedback by ensuring Scottsdale’s development is sustainable, high quality, and supported by residents.

Learn more at BarryGrahamResidentsFirst.com.