🌱 STR Proposals Move Forward + Scottsdale Civic Center Recognized

Hello neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now. Today's issue includes...

• City short-term rental proposals move forward toward 2024 Arizona Legislature.
• "Ice SkateAble" program created by Scottsdale teen.
• Scottsdale Civic Center renovations earn prestigious accolades.

But first, your weekend weather: We may have a thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 95 and low of 79.

Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. The three Scottsdale proposals to give local governments more authority over short-term rentals have "been adopted and are now part of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns 2024 Legislative Agenda." As a reminder, the city has proposed allowing local governments to cap the total number of STRs, limit density of STRs in specified areas, and create STR separation requirements. The goal of these proposals is to reduce the negative impact of short-term/vacation rental properties and return quality of life to our communities. The hope is that these measures will be established in state law during the 2024 session of the Arizona Legislature. (City of Scottsdale)
2. Sasha Rubin, a 16-year-old Scottsdale resident, created a program called "Ice SkateAble" to teach ice skating to kids with special needs. Sasha's brother has autism and struggled to participate in sports, so she became passionate about offering other children with special needs a sensory-friendly sport that they can enjoy. Lessons are every Saturday at Ice Den Scottsdale, and you can sign up by visiting the Ice SkateAble Instagram page or emailing [email protected]. Way to go, Sasha! (Arizona's Family)
3. Following renovations from the voter-approved 2019 bond election project, the Scottsdale Civic Center received prestigious awards from the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association and Engineering News-Record Southwest! The Scottsdale Civic Center received the APRA's "Outstanding Facility" award and was recognized as "the state's best newly constructed facility of 2023 for populations of more than 100,000." ENR Southwest also recognized the Scottsdale Civic Center as the best "Landscape/Urban Development" project in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. The urban desert park was also featured in Parks & Recreation Magazine! (City of Scottsdale, City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)

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Tomorrow through Wednesday in Scottsdale:

Tuesday, September 5

• Film Series: "80 for Brady" at Mustang Library (1:30 PM - 3:15 PM)
• Arabian Nights Book Discussion: "Sing, Unburied, Sing" at Arabian Library (5:00 PM - 6:15 PM)
• Teen Advisory Board at Appaloosa Library (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Wednesday, September 6

• Snap Circuit Rovers at Appaloosa Library. "Would you like to play with simple circuits and make rovers roam around?" (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)
• Ask the Experts at Mustang Library. "Free answers to your digital questions." (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
• Cube Club at Arabian Library. "Monthly gathering for teens & tweens interested in solving the Rubik's Cube." (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
• Curious Crafter: Paper Bead Necklace at Civic Center Library. Register online. (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
• PM Connect: Networking After Hours at Body20 North Scottsdale, 16459 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite C101. Register online. (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• "Most city offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 4 for Labor Day. Trash and recycling collection will not be affected... In addition, the Scottsdale Trolley will not run on Monday, and Valley Metro bus, light rail and streetcar services will run on their Sunday schedules." (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Today we said congratulations and best wishes to Ofc. Tom Kane. He came dressed in what we affectionately call the 'retiree uniform.' Much deserved after 30 years of dedicated service to Scottsdale!" (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "We’ve given you a look at what’s on a motorcycle, a horse and in a patrol car. Now it’s time for a look inside a K9 car!" Video at the link. (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Transport yourself back in time at the @RustySpurSaloonAZ! With a legacy dating back to 1921, this Old Town gem began as a bank before undergoing a transformation in 1951 into the establishment it is today. The original vault remains, now safeguarding liquid assets." (Old Town Scottsdale via Facebook)
• "Fred turned 102 last week and we celebrated his birthday [on Thursday]. He has been playing chess every Thursday at the center for the last 10 years, but really, he's been playing since he was 8 or 9 years old... When we asked him what his secret was, he shared that he's a vegetarian and he meditates daily." (Scottsdale Senior Services via Facebook)
• "The FAST Program through the Arizona Commerce Authority is open for applications. The program helps entrepreneurs create and submit a competitive grant application for federally funded innovation and research and development programs. Details: https://bit.ly/45Kh8Pq" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. Have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend! I'll be back next week with your next update!

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]