On Tuesday, the Scottsdale City Council held a study session to talk about the McDowell Road Corridor Strategic Priority Plan.

The study session was a casual discussion that sought to answer two questions:

1. What is the vision for McDowell Road?

2. How do we measure success?

The McDowell Road Strategic Priority Plan is a working document last updated in July 2015. But with the expiration of the redevelopment district looming, Council and staff thought it would be a good time to have a discussion about what economic development tools could be employed to obtain success.

Overall, the conversation was extremely positive. The Council remains committed to revitalization, beautification and the return to McDowell Road’s former glory. They touched on a wide array of issues from public infrastructure improvements, investment tools, boutique shops, multi-family projects, and public art. City staff left with a stronger sense of direction and commitment from the City Council.

Mayor Lane expressed excitement about the progress Southern Scottsdale has made and pointed to SkySong as a catalyst for revitalization describing it as a “commercial endeavor that we invested in heavily with the ASU Foundation and it has produced, to the point it has been a motivator, it has been an instigator on the commercial side…Commercial applications begets residential and residential begets retail amenities. I see it working.”

City staff highlighted recent additions to the neighborhood including Fate Brewery, Pho Cao and 77 on the Park as proof of progress but the Council almost unanimously agreed McDowell Road needed more revitalization inducement and attention before full success could be achieved. “I think we all agree we want it to be beautiful,” said Councilwoman Milhaven.

The Scottsdale Gateway Alliance was extremely encouraged by the renewed commitment and is eager to see what economic development tools staff proposes to continue the areas resurgence.

 

To watch the study session, click here.