> Home > Canal Bank Improvement Project > Public Involvement

Public Involvement

Canal Project Summary Report
(pdf / 376kb / 25 pgs)
Contains  full version of latest Canal Project/Scottdale Community Workshop Summary Report.   
Ensuring public and stakeholder involvement is critical to the success of the Canal Bank Improvements in Downtown Scottsdale. Over 60 people participated in the Focus Groups that were held from March 11th through March 23rd. In April, as follow-up to the Focus Groups, two Community Workshops were held.

Below is a summary of the givens the design team and the community must work with and some themes that came out of the workshop discussions.  Each group explored 3 topics – the south bank, north bank and connections. They began each discussion with a group of “givens” which are things about the project environment that cannot be changed. They then talked about the options that they would like to see included in the canal bank project.

Connections                     North Bank                     South Bank

Connections

Givens: (Elements of the project that are not going to change)

  • Marshall Way Alignment
  • Vehicular traffic – Camelback Road/Fashion Square/Goldwater Blvd.
  • Nordstrom Parking Structure
  • City Owned property fronting Scottsdale Road
  • Bridges – Transit and (possibly two) pedestrian
  • Pedestrian links – accessibility
  • Existing underpass at Goldwater Blvd.

Community Input:

  • The Marshall Way Bridge should be the primary focus of the area and be wide enough to allow pedestrians on both sides, transit maybe in one direction, and shaded viewing areas.
  • The main purpose of the bridge should be to move people and connect the north and south activity areas.
  • The Marshall Way Bridge should be built to accommodate transit/trolley and pedestrians.
  • Bridge could be closed to accommodate events.
  • The bridge should be of minimal height to maintain a people-scale and kept close to the water.
  • The pedestrian bridges should have a similar look as the main bridge.
  • The pedestrian bridges should be designed to only accommodate pedestrians.
  • The project should create an environment where people want to walk.

back to top

North Bank

Givens: (Elements of the project that are not going to change)

  • Building Height Limitations
  • Existing Land Uses
  • Existing Storm Drain (72”) north of SRP Right-of-Way
  • Development Plan
  • Dedication for Marshall Way Right-of-Way
  • Required Public Spaces (urban plazas)
  • Existing Concrete Channel
  • Handrail Requirements
  • Restrictions on Human Contact with Water

Community Input:

  • The activity along the North Bank is a more urban active area.
  • Meandering path way along the North Bank with possible viewing areas or plazas.
  • Break up the hard edge of the bank by cantilevering viewing areas or through landscaping.
  • There should be consistency in the North and South Bank landscaping.
  • Protect the visual corridors.
  • Provide nodes of active and passive activity areas.
  • Private development along the North Bank should be oriented to the canal bank.

back to top

South Bank

Givens: (Elements of the project that are not going to change)

  • Pedestrian connection – Sun Circle Trail – 8’ wide natural trail
  • SRP maintenance road – 16’ wide suitable for heavy trucks
  • Existing structures/uses
  • Existing zoning
  • Building height limitations
  • Overhead power lines (to be buried)
  • Underground 69kV location
  • Restrictions on planting above underground lines
  • Height of bank to prevent flooding/over-topping
  • Existing alley – need for refuge pick-up, parking, and fire access
  • Grade change canal to bottom of slope
  • Potential pedestrian and vehicular links to 5th Avenue district

Community Input:

  • Meandering paths with plenty of shade shall be provided.
  • There should be patios off the businesses at the same level as the South Bank area so business activities flow into the area.
  • Accommodate the Sun Circle Trail.
  • Create a “sense of place” and destination that is more park-like, lush and offer opportunities for people to linger.
  • City-owned property along Scottsdale Road should be a major entry and information/educational area.

Since the conclusion of the workshops, the design team has been studying the public input and developing a number of options to present to City Council. The City Council is ultimately responsible for making the final decision on the design team’s recommendations for improving the Arizona Canal. The Council will review public input and the design team recommendations at a study session especially for the Canal Bank Project on June 24th.