By Edward Gately
The Arizona Republic
A consultant who worked on behalf of developers involved in a number of Scottsdale projects that stirred opposition from residents has been hired by the city as one of its top planning administrators.
Randy Grant, who recently was involved with Triyar Entertainment’s proposed beach-club complex in downtown Scottsdale, earlier this month became the city’s planning, neighborhood and transportation administrator, a key position that makes sure developer proposals are meeting zoning rules and standards.
His hiring comes in the wake of criticism from citizen groups over the relationship that members of the city’s Planning Commission have with the development community. Earlier this month, The Republic reported that six of seven members of the city’s Planning Commission are involved in development and that several have ties to Scottsdale projects that have forced recusals on votes.
Critics say commission members, appointed by the City Council, are too cozy with the development community. Grant’s appointment has drawn even more reaction from activists in Scottsdale.
