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March 10, 2000/3 Adar II 5760, Vol. 52, No.27
Yes, in our neighborhoodEditorialIf you build it, they will come.That seems to be what's worrying a group of north Scottsdale residents who have organized a protest to the planned construction of the Jewish Community Campus in their neighborhood. Residents in the vicinity of the Scottsdale Road and Sweetwater Avenue parcel are mounting an intensive campaign to oppose the planned 30-acre campus, which will house Jewish communal agencies and diverse educational and recreational programs. Calling the community center a "quasi-commercial development," they warn that it will spoil the residential character of the area, bringing an influx of traffic, congestion, noise and light. How wrong - and how wrongheaded. The campus, zoned R1-35, a residential district which allows for development of buildings and recreational facilities that are not publicly owned, should be granted the necessary special use permit that will allow the project to proceed. Rather than diminish the attractiveness - and value - of surrounding homes, the facility will add to their appeal, providing recreational amenities and educational facilities all within walking distance of nearby families. Ample parking and plenty of green, open spaces reflect the underlying concern of campus developers to preserve the character of the neighborhood while respecting the intent of city planners to provide accessible neighborhood services in residential areas. Conceived as a people place, the proposed campus will be one where concerns for safety and security, whether it is dropping off a 3-year-old for preschool or escorting a senior citizen to an exercise class, are tantamount. Also, outdoor lighting has been specially designed to preserve the tranquillity of the neighborhood. It's vital that center supporters, especially Scottsdale residents, make their voices heard at a hearing of the Scottsdale Planning Commission, set for 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Civic Center Blvd. If you cannot attend, e-mail, phone or fax your support. Let's register a resounding yes to build the new campus in our communal neighborhood. |
