Phoenix (November 23, 2010) — Gray areas, potential challenges for local law enforcement, waiting for the official state regulations…these issues have Valley cities working diligently to draft amendments to their Zoning Ordinances since the passing of Prop 203.
Phoenix (November 18, 2010) – A New Yorker’s plans to invest $450,000 to construct a second house on his lot have gone awry due to a recent decision by the New York Federal District Court. We often think that the issuance of a building permits automatically “vests” the development rights associated with that approval. Not the case here.
Phoenix (November 16, 2010) – The downtown Scottsdale skyline may welcome new, taller buildings after the new City Council takes seat in January. The downtown infill-incentive district is the likely motive for the several rezoning proposals requesting greater building heights.
Phoenix (October 14, 2010) – - After the Phoenix City Council voted 5-4 last week not to pursue a Superior Court appeal of a Board of Adjustment decision approving a digital billboard along the 101, a Phoenix business owner and City planning commissioner is now seeking to pick up where the City left off.
Phoenix (September 24, 2010) — If Arizona voters approve a medical marijuana measure allowing up to 120 not-for-profit dispensaries statewide, cities and landlords will face some interesting choices starting in November. Under Proposition 203, patients suffering from a wide-range of painful medical conditions would be able to buy small amounts of marijuana from state-approved clinics with a doctors perscription.
Phoenix (September 23, 2010) — In an interesting twist of events, one of the two cities bordering a proposed new American Indian casino has now sued the Obama administration. The city of Glendale filed the federal lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Phoenix seeking an injunction against the U.S. Department of Interior ruling stating the land could be counted as part of the Tohono O’odham tribes land holdings.
Phoenix (September 15, 2010) — Some believe that the town of Dewey Beach, Delaware has enacted ordinances that specifically target Dewey Beach Enterprises (DBE), owner of “Ruddertowne”, a commercial district that includes restaurants, nightlife, shopping and family friendly activities. DBE’s efforts to protect itself with legal action ended with positive results for the developer after a nearly 3-year long dispute over a proposed mixed-use development.
Phoenix (September 10, 2010) — The Peoria City Council recently approved changes to its Zoning Ordinance which will impart notification and design regulations for new bars, gas stations and fast-food restaurant drive-through lanes in order to make businesses compatible with their surroundings. Some of these changes were prompted by residents’ complaints about noise, light and odor from nearby businesses.
Phoenix (September 7, 2010) — A Major Sports and Entertainment Zoning District could lead to mixed-use development opportunities surrounding Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) in Avondale. City Council authorized staff to engage in this joint effort between the City of Avondale and PIR which will establish the flexible zoning criteria by which such uses as restaurant and entertainment venues, hotels and resorts, as well as racing-related light industrial uses would be permitted.
Phoenix (August 26, 2010) — The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, being rebranded to simply “the Wigwam” in recognition of its history, is undergoing a $7 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in January. This initiative has been a priority of Jerry Colangelo’s investment group that purchased the resort in a bankruptcy auction in December.
Phoenix (August 24, 2010) — At a population of only 500, the charming tourist node of Springdale, Utah is a picturesque setting and appropriately dubbed as one of the “20 Prettiest Towns” in America by a 2008 Forbes magazine travel article. The Town’s 2006 ordinance that bans “formula restaurants” has mixed reviews from travelers as some think it would ruin the “feel” or “uniqueness” of this small town while others believe in a free-enterprise right to open a franchise restaurant.
Phoenix (August 19, 2010) — A 37-foot-tall pole sign is the subject of recent debate in Tucson. Located at 22nd Street and Rosemont Boulevard, this sign was erected in 1961 to advertise a Kinney Shoe store. This was a very common architectural scene in the 60s, but we have all seen how building and sign design trends have changed with the times.
Phoenix (August 12, 2010) – - In the wake of a very emotionally charged, high-profile law suit against the Mesa Unified School District, Jon Paladini garnered NATIONAL media attention this week from both FOX News and CNN HLN Networks respectively. He talked live with CNN’s Mike Galanos Thursday on “Prime News”.
