Protecting Paradise Valley's Unique Residential Character and Quality of Life

Recently, the Town of Paradise Valley Independent asked the candidates running for Town Council to share their thoughts on development in the community. I wanted to share my response with you, as I believe this is one of the most critical issues we face.

•If elected to Town Council, how will you balance proposed development projects while maintaining Paradise Valley’s commitment to residential quality of life?

Saying, “yes” to every development that comes before the town is irresponsible and goes against what our town was founded under.

I have seen a lot as a longtime Paradise Valley resident and during my four years on the council and as Vice Mayor.

Prior to being elected to council, while serving on the Planning Commission, I saw many of our residents express fatigue and frustration over the increase in traffic, density and most recently the noise and the influx of short-term rentals. These converted homes are basically unregulated mini party hotels and they are popping up all over our residential neighborhoods. Residents may not think of this as a “development” issue, but it really is.

Unfortunately, our Governor has signed SB1350, a law that prohibits local cities and towns from banning short-term rentals in our residential neighborhoods. These mini-event party houses are being redeveloped right here in our own neighborhoods. Out-of-state investors and developers are converting existing homes from single family and adding bedrooms and beds anywhere they will fit, including converting garages into makeshift bedrooms. I have seen as many as 20 occupants in the listings as something that is welcomed and acceptable. I have spent many hours working with Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner, town staff and our local legislators down at the state capital trying to pass legislation that gives back local control. Our current Town Council is united in the fight to gain back local control.

My voting record is strong on preserving our unique residential character and quality of life. I have consistently pushed back on density, height, noise and supported conserving our view corridors and mountain views. I have always been for responsible development. My voting record on density and development is consistent with our town’s unique values of a premier, low density residential community that is reflective of excellence in development and design and protection of the natural Sonoran Desert environment.

•What are your views on town density as it currently sits? What do you think density will be like in years to come?

The Town of Paradise Valley was created in response to concerns that the sparsely populated desert lifestyle of this community was in danger of slipping away due to threatened annexation and the changing density and commercialization of neighboring Phoenix and Scottsdale. The incorporation effort provided a forum for direct citizen involvement in the creation of a vision for our community.

I’m a strong supporter and advocate for our town’s unique residential community. These values have continued through our past leadership and were instilled into our General Plan. That document was overwhelmingly approved by our voters in 2012. The General Plan is the fluid playbook to what our founding leaders envisioned. Every 10 years we are statutorily required to update our General Plan. Having council members with strong records on pushing for responsible density and heights, and keeping with our unique town values is crucial. With my professional background in civil planning and engineering I will continue fighting for our residents and Town’s values.

•Is there any concern with the potential of too much density or resort development in Paradise Valley?

There is absolutely the potential for too much density. It’s a slippery slope to approve zoning that goes against our SUP guidelines or our ordinances and codes. Once again voting records are stronger than a campaign message. As we move into 2021 we will be revising our General Plan that I mentioned previously. This document will guide future councils, Planning Commissions and even our Board of Adjustment members.

With my planning and engineering background, along with my years of community service, I look forward to working with Mayor Jerry and my fellow council members as we work on this very important document. I hope voters will stand by me at the polls so I’m able to continue fighting for our residents.

As stated in our General Plan the aesthetic beauty of our low-density residential community and open spaces coupled with the natural beauty of the desert welcomes residents, their guests and resort visitors alike. Our world class resorts, places of worship, schools and other limited non-residential community-oriented development will continue to evolve and change with the times, but will always respect the quality of life of town residents.