Speak Up: Seven-story apartment building approved near Scottsdale and Bell roads

Before the Phoenix City Council voted Jan. 7 to approve a general plan amendment and zoning change to allow a seven-story, 315-unit apartment building to be built on 4.32 acres near the southwest corner of Scottsdale and Bell roads, Mayor Kate Gallego took notice of the lack of opposition to project, though that wasn’t always the case. “This sure started with some very upset letters but we’re pleased to have resolved concerns. Perhaps one could say, the process worked,” she said. Not everyone was thrilled, however. Here’s a selection of what Independent readers had to say on NextDoor:

• “Increases traffic … lessens safety.” — Jane Neuheisel
• “Kind of looks like a prison!” — Kathy Dana
• “That was supposed to be built years ago. Looks better than a vacant dirt lot.” — Mary Fink
• “Ugly design. Not in tune with the city or surroundings. Very inappropriate for that tall of an apartment building. In that area.” — Mark Welch
• “Way too many stories, too many apartments.” — Elle F.
• “Really bad. Architect should hide after that design.” — Joy Juengling
• “Looks like a shipping container storage area.” — Kurb Sebler
• “What will it bring? Way overpriced apartments that will be 2/3 occupied by the second year. There aren’t too many apartments, there are just more apartments that people can’t afford.” — Robert Betcher
• “Why not build taller to maximize the land use?” — Wayne F.
• “Stop ruining our views!” — La Denton
• “Prove that all the other monstrosities of apartment complexes are full, then you can allow so many more. It’s out of control.” — Susan Rodriguez
• “Why? Just another eyesore that will block views and create more traffic congestion. Sad to see.” — Vickie Moak
• “Ruins our views of mountains.” — Ruth Klenk Janzik
• “It’s perfect!!! It fits right in with the other glass towers along Scottsdale Road.” — Bob Stone
• “Why not? Great location for high-density development!” — Dean Brennan
• “Do not care for it. Too many apartments are being built lately.” — Paula Whelan
• “Will the rents be affordable?” — Denise S.
• “They look really good in that location; just don’t build them in Gilbert.” — Mark McKillip
• “We’ve been to Russia; enough said.” — Jeffrey H
• “Only more traffic and smog. I hate this trend.” — Denise Finnel
• “That will be another 3,000 to 4,000 people on the streets, in our grocery stores, restaurants and jamming up neighborhood! Seven stories? They don’t need to be going that high. It’s all about the $$$$$, and it ain’t in our pockets!” — Georgette Nichols
• “Yay! More ugly concrete and steel creating more heat, traffic and less water.” — Robin Begreen
• “All the makings of a “smart city.” City councils are easily bought out.”— Robert Roelfson
• “That’s how they built in East Germany. Ugly!” — Ellen McKinley
• “Enough already. They are struggling to fill what we have recently built.” — Chris Wiskerchen
• “Does anyone remember there is an airport with an active runway near all these high rises? Traffic is already bad at that intersection. They used to have a height restriction! What happened to that?” — Cynthia Allen
• “The last thing that we need is another apartment complex in that area. Overcrowded already.” — Henri Benkiel
• “There goes the neighborhood! Unbelievable ! Who had their pockets lined ?” — Michelle Hagerty
• “Maybe this will help all the geographically challenged people who think that Scottsdale extends west of Scottsdale Road. West of Scottsdale Road from Cactus Road to Jomax Road is in Phoenix, not Scottsdale.” — Daren W.
• “Enough already. Don’t we have enough traffic, water use, congestion? Besides they are ugly. No class for this area.” — Angela Ashley