By J. Graber | YourValley
The Scottsdale City Council chose to butt heads with the Arizona Legislature over state law intended to create more affordable housing.
The council voted 7-0 Nov. 25 to pass text amendments to city ordinances that utilize what it deems are exemptions in House Bill 2297.
The bill was signed into law by the governor in April and requires the cities of 150,000 people or more to allow the reuse of financially unviable commercial property without a rezoning hearing.
That puts the council at loggerheads with Arizona House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci who sent it a letter Nov. 24 requesting the council not enforce those exemptions to the legislation.
“I am deeply disturbed by actions that appear to circumvent the bill’s clear statutory intent,” Biasiucci wrote.
He went further to say in the letter, “I must emphasize the seriousness of this matter. The City’s actions not only contravene the law but also jeopardize the legislative intent behind HB2297, which aims to address critical housing needs statewide.”
“It is interesting to see how each city adapts to the legislatures directive. Scottsdale seems to be in line with the law, even though it may not be what some of the legislators thought it would look like.” Jordan Rose, founder & president of Rose Law Group, comments
