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Weaver: A call to Scottsdale City Council to heavily weigh SouthBridge 2 decision

Proposed redevelopment will impact hundreds of residents

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My name is Laura Weaver and I am the owner of Nestldown Linens located at 7134 E. Stetson Drive, #105 in Scottsdale.

I am writing today to voice my opposition regarding the SouthBridge 2 project proposed for Stetson Sixth Avenue and Fifth Avenue. When I opened the doors to my business 12 years ago (11/07/2007) it was a dream come true for me to open my own business and experience self employment and be an entrepreneur for the first time in my life.

It was an opportunity that people risk their lives to come to America for. It was a big risk for me as well.

With two years of planning and the opportunity to be included in the original “The Mix” development with Fred and Jennifer Unger and 27 other retailers seemed like the opportunity of a lifetime.

I worked so hard as did others and put everything I had into my business. Like many self employed individuals I worked seven days a week (still do), devoted a tremendous amount of time, energy, resources, blood, sweat and tears.

No clocking out a 5, no weekends off. I made huge sacrifices to ensure its success but as the economy went into free-fall it was also the most stressful, unpredictable and uncertain time of my life. I sacrificed my home, my staff... everything to keep my doors open as I made this deathbed promise to my father.

Every day as I came to work another business bailed under cover of darkness in The Mix. Every day, week, a new empty shell where a former business once stood. One by one ‘till all but one other original tenant --- The Garage --- and myself were gone.

Even Fred fell victim to the Great Recession losing his restaurants in the process. We all suffered. I now found myself homeless for a time with only my Yukon in which to dwell.

The SouthBridge 2 project in its current state morphed from the original and is a far greater project devouring this area than Fred Unger originally designed.

All one need do is compare his original plans. No comparison. It will occupy 1,250,000 square feet. Although not an architect I can appreciate the immensity and enormity of this undertaking. My understanding is that it is GROSSELY under-parked and will starve existing businesses from years of excavation and construction.

This project, unlike others under consideration is that it will displace hundreds of businesses in the process as existing structures will be razed to the ground. Scorched earth. Other projects will be built on empty available land. People and businesses that have staked all that they have will lose all.

They have been the backbone of this community for decades and have been solid supporters of this terra firma in which they chose to plant their flag. It would be unconscionable for this city to turn their back on their invaluable contributions now that external forces have decided that now is the time to strike in this climate of financial opportunity in the name of gentrification.

It is my personal summation that there is an agenda to tear up this city, condense as many people as possible all in the name of Light Rail.

Ladies and gentlemen I implore you to take to task the decision set before you with great consideration, forethought and weigh out the pros and cons as it will forever impact the lives of hundreds of devoted citizens.

Editor’s Note: Laura Weaver is a Scottsdale business owner.