This browser does not support the Video element.
Proposed Old Town parking garage moves forward despite resident pushback
The construction of a parking garage was approved by city leaders Tuesday night. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz learns what supporters and opponents of the project are saying.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Scottsdale approved a construction contract to add a parking garage in Old Town in a 5-2 vote on Tuesday.
What they're saying:
It’s an age-old debate in Scottsdale: to add parking, or to not?
"This isn’t a case of ‘nice to have,’ it’s a case of we need more parking, period— if we want to keep Old Town alive," said Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield.
The mayor said, "I think this is a really bad idea."
Local perspective:
As council voted on April 14 on approving a construction contract for a proposed two-level parking garage at 1st Street and Brown Avenue, residents showed up to voice their opinions for and against it.
"Bottom line, if customers can’t park, they go somewhere else," said one resident in favor of the garage.
The other side:
"While it’s meant to address parking needs, there are real concerns about whether it’s the most cost-effective solution," another resident said.
Some of those opposed argued there is not enough recent data to support the project.
"We have not had a parking study since 2015. We don't even know where we need the parking. A lot of things have changed since then," one opponent said.
Dig deeper:
Others worry it would change too much of the fabric of Old Town, as it would be across the street from The Mission and would move the farmer’s market that is there now, to the Civic Center.
"The farmer’s market needs to stay there. It's an economic driver that supports Old Town. And it's just too important to, you know, build a three-story massive garage that'll overshadow the last vestige of the historic Old Town," said another resident.
Why you should care:
However, some feel delaying the project now would hurt Old Town and its businesses down the road.
"Whether you like it or not, there’s going to be more people here and more pressure on parking, and if you don’t build your infrastructure correctly, you’re going to face an impossible cliff," said Vice Mayor Adam Kwasman.
What's next:
The council's 5-2 vote in favor of the garage’s construction contract on the agenda, means construction could start as early as summer 2026, with the hope that it would be ready by spring training next year.
Map of the proposed parking garage location.
The Source: This information was gathered from the Scottsdale City Council meeting on April 14.