Kush: I'm withdrawing my support of ‘Old Town Alliance’ group

When I was approached about supporting the newly formed “Old Town Alliance” which has purportedly organized to oppose a variety of projects in the downtown Scottsdale area I lent my support.

By way of background I live downtown and serve on the Scottsdale Planning Commission.

But the breadth of this group’s opposition to quality redevelopment in our badly aging downtown district is now becoming more apparent, and troublesome.

Therefore I must withdraw my support.

First, this past weekend Scottsdale celebrated one of its great, recent creations: Canal Convergence. This family friendly event would not have been possible without Southbridge 1.

The so called Old Town Alliance does not appear to recognize this fact, or the merits of the proposed Southbridge 2, as they now take aim at a good plan and the natural completion of the original Southbridge development.

I believe that Southbridge 2, like the first phase, will be a positive addition to the downtown area and bring with it a much needed revitalization of old town.

Their tactics to oppose the proposed Sunday Goods dispensary also do not stand up to my further scrutiny.

I was the lone member of the Planning Commission who voted against Sunday Goods. It’s fair to say I am not a fan of marijuana, but I also realize that times have changed and that I need to get my mindset out of the 60s.

I also realize that our city cannot legally prohibit a state license that has been issued for the area. Therefore, if the choice is this proposed high quality redevelopment of an existing tattoo parlor to be operated and developed by a Scottsdale-based company, or some unknown, out of sate group that might develop who knows what, I will take the local group every time.

Over the past year, I have been very sympathetic and pro active with downtown businesses on key issues to include championing a reevaluation of the downtown parking code. However, it now appears that my genuine concerns are being taken over by anti-growth professionals who want to use the Sunday Goods case as a spring board to oppose future downtown development, to include Southbridge 2.

As a result I must withdraw my support for the activities of the “Old Town Alliance.”

Editor’s Note: Larry Kush is a downtown Scottsdale resident and Planning Commission member.