Scottsdale's mayor has thrown a cold splash on the Arizona Coyotes' plans to build a new arena, stating in no uncertain terms that their proposed site at the edge of his city is a no-go. Mayor David Ortega has expressed his firm stance against the NHL team's eyeing of a 95-acre parcel of state-owned land located near Scottsdale Road and Loop 101—which, although technically in Phoenix, rubs against the border of his jurisdiction, and according to Ortega, comes with a host of problems for Scottsdale, as reported by 12 News.
In a recent editorial, the mayor labeled the project as not "feasible," and declared that "the fantasy hockey project must move west, away from Scottsdale," this project faces stiff opposition from a local leader who feels it treads too close to the existing retail giants and infrastructure of the Greater Scottsdale Airpark area, which has been revealed by AZFamily; furthermore, the mayor insists Scottsdale's water assets are not for grabs which could present a major hurdle for any development since the area currently lacks the necessary utilities such as water and sewer systems and without convenient highway access, further complicating matters.
According to Ortega's statements, infrastructure development burdens would thus fall unfairly on Phoenix, as he has requested "that infrastructure for the proposed site, including water and sewer, be pulled from Phoenix assets along 56th Street to the west," and beyond the realm of utilities, there arises the issue of traffic and accessibility, with the mayor calling for the build out of the 64th Street exit off AZ Loop 101 to adequately serve the area. Fans, however, appear to be in favor of the development, as several told 12 News of their support for the Coyotes' project, but whether this local enthusiasm will sway decision-makers amidst the logistical and political pushback remains an ongoing question.
The Coyotes, meanwhile, face the looming task of securing the land during an auction set for June, with the competition and its outcomes potentially pivotal for the team's future in the Valley—analysts keeping a close watch on the day as one that could very well determine the Coyotes' fate in Arizona, the fight for a new home intensifying after their departure from Glendale in 2022 and struggles with less than full capacity at their temporary ASU lodgings. As reported by 12 News, even as businesses on the other end of the Scottsdale Road view the potential new arena as a boon, the Scottsdale City officials stand as vigilant guardians of their domains, monitoring every move that could bring undesirable change on their doorstep.
