Scottsdale voters are being asked to change the city charter to require certain projects in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve be approved by voters before moving forward.
The signs in support and opposition of Proposition 420 can be confusing: they read “Protect Your Preserve” and “Protect Our Preserve,” but are actually on opposite sides of the issue. The “your preserve” is the ‘no’ side, while the “our preserve” supports the measure.
Part of the issue here is a proposal called Desert Edge, formerly known as the Desert Discovery Center, which supporters describe as a research and education center that aims to teach visitors about the Sonoran Desert.
The $60-plus million project would cover more than five acres at the Gateway Trailhead in North Scottsdale, and has long been controversial. Late last year, the city council decided to put the brakes on the project, while critics collected signatures to refer the issue to the ballot.
The measure, known as Prop 420, is not directly about Desert Edge but, if passed, would put the question of that project directly to voters.
The Show got two perspectives on this issue starting with Jason Alexander. He’s one of the directors of No DDC, which aims to make sure any development in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve goes to a public vote.
The Show also talked to Melinda Gulick — who is with the group Protect Your Preserve, which is opposed to Prop 420.
