Scottsdale council faces backlash over proposed parking garage and canceled sustainability plan

The Scottsdale City Council held a regular meeting on June 10, 2025, addressing several pressing community concerns, particularly regarding parking issues in Old Town and the recent cancellation of the Scottsdale sustainability plan.

The meeting began with public comments, where residents expressed their frustrations and concerns. One resident shared a personal story about recent challenges at the dog park, including a violent incident involving dogs and a threatening encounter with another park-goer. This individual emphasized the importance of community cooperation and communication, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about a proposed parking garage at the Brown Avenue parking lot. The resident warned that there is significant opposition to the garage, citing concerns about its impact on the historic aesthetics of Old Town and the belief that parking is not a significant issue in the area.

French Thompson, another resident, presented a visual guide to Old Town parking, arguing that the area has lost a substantial number of parking spaces over the years. Thompson highlighted the need for additional parking structures, particularly in light of the existing infrastructure that could support a garage. He noted that the city had previously considered expanding the Corral lot but had limited the expansion to two additional levels to maintain the area's character.

Vanessa Goldberg voiced her outrage over the council's decision to cancel the Scottsdale sustainability plan, which had been developed over three years with input from various stakeholders. She criticized the council for not allowing further discussion on the plan, which she argued is essential for addressing the city's challenges related to climate change and water supply. Goldberg urged the council to reconsider their decision and prioritize sustainability for the future of Scottsdale.

Jane Adamson echoed Goldberg's sentiments, expressing concern over the implications of climate change and the potential loss of Scottsdale's reputation as an environmentally conscious city. She warned that inaction could lead to significant economic and environmental costs in the future.

The meeting concluded with a clear indication that the council faces mounting pressure from residents regarding both the parking garage proposal and the sustainability plan. As public sentiment grows increasingly vocal, the council will need to navigate these issues carefully to maintain community trust and support.