"The Canal" in Phoenix Vs. "The Scottsdale Waterfront" (Tucson: appointed, sales)

[khuntrevor]

I went to Scottsdale for the first time in a long time several days ago. Between IS and CB. It appears that they are marketing a waterfront type of area on the canal, and I was just a little amused, as it is always just known as "The canal" in Phoenix. Am I missing something?

[observer53]

Originally Posted by khuntrevor

I went to Scottsdale for the first time in a long time several days ago. Between IS and CB. It appears that they are marketing a waterfront type of area on the canal, and I was just a little amused, as it is always just known as "The canal" in Phoenix. Am I missing something?

That development was conceived years ago. It was envisioned somewhat differently when first proposed... I seem to remember some drawings that look very different than what's there. It's nothing like the Riverwalk in San Antonio, but it's nice to see stretches of the canal be something more than just "the canal".

[khuntrevor]

They've tried something like that in Tucson, The Rio Nuevo project, and they even passed a special tax for it in 1999. I think the result was some politicians losing their jobs.

[observer53]

I don't remember what part the city played in this development, that's a good question for someone who keeps track of such things in Scottsdale way better than I do!

[mistygrl092]

It's.a.canal.

[Rubee]

Originally Posted by observer53

It's nothing like the Riverwalk in San Antonio, but it's nice to see stretches of the canal be something more than just "the canal".

Totally agree. I never understand why people lean to the negative instead of the positive (though I admit I see it more on this internet board than real life here). With the gorgeous 75-80 degree weather this week, I took Thursday off to meet a friend for lunch at the wonderful Herb Box at Southbridge by "the canal". We sat outside on the wrap-around outdoor bar and drank wine and bubbly ($5 specials 11-6p, beer specials too, and then HH food specials 3-6) http://twitpic.com/45sgc5 Great menu too - big emphasis on high quality, small producer, fresh ingredients, sourcing locally (and bonus, delicious gluten-free dishes since I'm meeting more and more people looking for these). It was so pretty and relaxing "on the waterfront", that after my friend left, my husband and I walked around the area, and then ended up having sunny afternoon mid-day cocktails and first visit/early dinner at a new favorite spot - Citizen Public House. Pretty fantastic day. Wish we started later so that we could have enjoyed the al fresco live music in the evening, but maybe next time.

(PS - While I LOVE San Antonio's Riverwalk, I was surprised to notice that it's very musty-smelling at times).

The Herb Box
Welcome to the herb box!
(write-up and pics from a friend when it first opened):
The Herb Box Opens New Location in Old Town Scottsdale | Pen & Fork

Citizen Public House
Citizen Public House - Home

[shiphead]

Originally Posted by Rubee

(PS - While I LOVE San Antonio's Riverwalk, I was surprised to notice that it's very musty-smelling at times).

I believe that "musty" smell is poop.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by khuntrevor

They've tried something like that in Tucson, The Rio Nuevo project, and they even passed a special tax for it in 1999. I think the result was some politicians losing their jobs.

Sounds like Tucson - the city of no vision. It is no wonder that they lag Phoenix so badly.

[AZ Tracy]

Originally Posted by khuntrevor

I went to Scottsdale for the first time in a long time several days ago. Between IS and CB. It appears that they are marketing a waterfront type of area on the canal, and I was just a little amused, as it is always just known as "The canal" in Phoenix. Am I missing something?

Here is some iniformation on what's considered the Scottsdale Waterfront. In addition to lots of shopping and restaurants, there are some very high end condominiums. Old Town Scottsdale is just south of it, and Scottsdale Fashion Square is just to the north. Lots of activity!

[Jukesgrrl]

Originally Posted by khuntrevor

They've tried something like that in Tucson, The Rio Nuevo project, and they even passed a special tax for it in 1999. I think the result was some politicians losing their jobs.

Rio Nuevo in Tucson was never intended to be a riverfront development on the order of what's in San Antonio. It was/is the code name for a massive downtown redevelopment (a "tax incremental district" in political parlance) which was to be accomplished using revenue from a hiked sales tax that was collected, but has yet to be used on anything constructive. We were told about hotels, a science center, a natatorium, a beautiful gateway from I10, etc., that would be built to bring people to Our Fair City's center.

In fact, $230 million has gone out the door to consultants and developers who produced ideas that disappeared into the ether. The restoration of the historic Fox Theatre is about the only tangible accomplishment that the Rio Nuevo board has to show for 12 years of effort, but even that lovely place has been mismanaged to the point of about a half million annually and they can't repay the loans taken out for the restoration.

A few politicians are, indeed, catching some flack, but many people on the Rio Nuevo board (which is appointed by the STATE) were NOT elected officials. Rather they are local business people, real estate types, and "financial analysts," not all of whom are even from Tucson. The real criminals are the people who accepted huge sums of taxpayer cash and produced nothing but pipe dreams. I don't expect them to be brought to justice any time soon, as I suspect they have as many friends in Phoenix as in Tucson.