Discover Your City
Scottsdale’s Lucky Plaza located at 3388 North Hayden Road at the southwest corner of Hayden and Osborn Roads is a 41-year-old shopping plaza. It has been controlled by an entity owned by Todd Silver for the past 18 years and has been kept in meticulous condition. The old plaza has become an outdated commercial site and big box retail is extremely challenging. Furthermore, there has been approximately 8,000SF vacant for 10 plus years and the national tenants or local community tenants have not supported renting these vacant spaces. Many times, it appears there are more employees inside the soon to be vacant OfficeMax space than there are customers. Carl’s Junior is not extending their lease and will be vacating by the end of January.
Over the years, Todd Silver has proposed a mixed-use redevelopment of apartments and retail, which will be beneficial to the community and city. Greenbelt88, a 7-acre property, located near the Scottsdale Greenbelt, is being rezoned to a Planned Unit Development. Jason Morris, the zoning attorney on the project, maintains that the Greenbelt88 project fits the city’s General Plan, which calls for mixed-use properties, most of which have featured residential uses due to market demand and very much needed additional housing. Greenbelt88 is being redesigned into a mixed-use development establishing a brighter future for the Scottsdale community by creating a vibrant retail and residential property of 238 units and 28,000SF of new and exciting retail. Ownership is hopeful to retain some of the current restaurants and service tenants in the new development.
The retail stores and apartments will be completely redesigned with upgraded modern architecture designed by the acclaimed Nelsen Partners, a well-known USA firm who does work across the USA and internationally. Jeff Brand, a partner at Nelsen Partners and the lead architect, is a Scottsdale resident who lives walking distance to the proposed redevelopment and has personally invested countless hours to see this project benefit the citizens of Scottsdale.
A few years ago, the initial rezone pre-application by Silver was 388 units and no retail. After community meetings and input the plan was revised to 300 units and 21,000SF of retail. The project received City Staff support. With very costly continuances, delays, outreach and changes, Greenbelt88 at The Design Review Board was approved with 288 units at four floors and 48 feet. Through additional community input and outreach, it was determined that the unit count should be reduced and some of the cantilever and massing should be modified further and the retail should be increased to 25,000SF.
The Scottsdale Planning Commission approved Greenbelt88 with 278 units and 25,000SF of retail along with other architectural changes to the project. Although the immediate surrounding commercial businesses and many in the neighborhood especially within one mile support the project as presented, there have been others constantly trying for change. Ownership has made numerous and very costly design and project changes. Most recently, the project team reduced the units from 278, which was approved by the planning commission down to 253 units. The plan is now being modified down to 238 units, which include eight units of workforce for the benefit of the community. Furthermore, the overall height on the building would be further reduced as additional compromises and concessions. All these changes have been extremely costly to Todd Silver and in part being done to benefit the Scottsdale community. Greenbelt88 will meet all the building requirements of Scottsdale’s Green Building Program; environmentally-sensitive building techniques and has exceeded all the recommendations and requirements of the city.
Prior to moving to the Scottsdale City Council public hearing, there were some community activists concerned with height, density and traffic. The owner’s team has modified and mitigated these perceived issues. The traffic has been mitigated with traffic engineers and the city. Studies show that the mixed-use development will result in less traffic than the current plaza. According to a study by CivTech Inc., licensed traffic engineers, Greenbelt88 would generate fewer daily trips throughout the day than a solely commercial property.
There was a false narrative floating around that the Greenbelt88 project would be a high-rise. It is not a high rise, nor is it a mid-rise. The project is a low-rise development reaching 36 and approximately 48 feet at different points. The development is now being modified down to 45 feet and removing more units from the fourth floor. Thus, most of the outside perimeter of the building facing the golf course will appear to be three floors and approximately 36 feet. Other projects within several miles are substantially higher and denser. The buildings will be staggered in height with a maximum height of three or four floors to allow for sunlight and great views of the greenbelt, golf course, Scottsdale and the Camelback Mountain. The new development will not block any views and the view of the golf course will be enjoyed, and it may become a destination spot and local icon.
Greenbelt88 has complied with the recently improved parking codes and will have abundant parking in a concealed parking garage that will not be visible from the street. Plus, there will be convenient surface parking near the retail and restaurants. Additionally, the development will exceed the requirement on parking and will also accommodate extra guest parking. According to data from CoStar/ESRI, Scottsdale has a retail per capita ratio of 90.1SF. This study indicates that Scottsdale has the most over-served retail plazas in the Valley.
According to a study by the Wall Street Journal, the United States is millions of housing units behind current demand. In Arizona, this translates to a pre-pandemic need of 230,000 new units with the majority of the need in Maricopa County, where Scottsdale lies. Scottsdale has 250,000 residents with 10% growth and needs more than 20,000 apartments to meet the growing population. According to this WSJ study, a 250-unit multifamily development’s construction generates $1,219,800 in municipal income, with an estimated additional $415,410 in ongoing annual revenues. The Greenbelt88 apartments will create more competition allowing the rental rates in the area to be competitive.
Redevelopment of Greenbelt88 will ensure ability to contribute for the city to pay for preserves, parks, police and fire departments, amenities and may help keep property taxes low and property values stable. By adding apartments to the Greenbelt88 development, Greenbelt88 is contributing to the ease in which renters can rent modern homes at competitive rental rates. Additionally, adequate housing generates more employment opportunities in the community.
The project team envisions this quality mixed-use development as one that the community will enjoy and one that will be an asset to the city. Greenbelt88 includes retail, restaurants, modern apartments, a bike friendly path, shaded areas with benches, paseo, ample parking and an overall focus of quality living, recreation, and shopping.
There are numerous benefits to the community with the redesign of Greenbelt88. A new public paseo would include a landscaped biking and walking path that will run along the greenbelt to connect Hayden Road at the southeast corner of the property to Osborn Road on the northwest corner, very convenient to Old Town, Scottsdale Stadium, Honor Health Hospital, Civic Center Park and the library. The new pathway will increase public access alongside the west side of the greenbelt and will provide pedestrians, strollers and cyclists access to safer and more user-friendly traveling than the existing street-adjacent walkways.
Other benefits include no short-term rentals, new traffic turn signals at the expense of the owner, new deceleration lanes, huge amount of city fees, ongoing property tax fees, a non-gated apartment complex with free-flowing open space to the community, two public art displays, walking paths that will be lit, benches, nice landscaping, added guest parking, additional outdoor living and open space over and beyond city requirement. The first two floors of the overall structure will be built with upgraded material and the retail space will be built with high ceilings to add to the ambiance of the quality development.
Greenbelt88 will be a place of rejuvenation and enjoyment. The aesthetics and luxurious well-planned landscaping will afford visitors and residents the opportunity to bask in the glowing sun or to enjoy the shade. Residents and visitors will have an opportunity to relax on the lit-up shaded paseo with the gorgeous view of Camelback Mountain. The sunsets are outstanding. The property backs up to a beautiful golf course that will have a new restaurant facing the golf course, a walkway, lighting, and benches.
The owner on their initial ask to the city of the rezone asked for a lot less than other developments around the city and the owner has put in a lot more as far as community changes, modifications to the project, benefits to the city, dedication and more. The ask has been less and the giveback has been far more. Immediate and surrounding businesses and residents have expressed their complete support for the project. Despite some anti-developers and activists living miles away voicing their opinions, it is our understanding that they do not voice the opinions of all as there have been many others who have let the owner know that they support the project.
To keep the economy bustling and the community thriving for decades to come, Greenbelt88 is one way to ensure that Scottsdale remains the city we know and love for decades to come with quality redevelopment. Additional information could be found on our website at Greenbelt88.com or on our Instagram page instagram.com/greenbelt88?utm_medium=copy_link. In general, new housing creates more competition and better pricing. Supply and demand! And living on the Greenbelt would absolutely be a healthy choice! You are invited to complete the short survey at https://rb.gy/ll2utj.
About the Author
Frayde Yudkowsky, LSW, LMSW, CCTP is a one-time resident of Scottsdale who loves the vibe, landscaping and aesthetics that the city has to offer. It is her dream to call Scottsdale home once again.
Do you need to come out to your doctor?
Healthcare is a hot topic for many Americans. No matter your stance on it, most of us can agree that it’s not easy for everyone to access affordable medical care. If you’re in the LGBTQ+ community, you might face another obstacle – discrimination.
It can be hard to believe you would be discriminated against or even turned away based on your sexual identity, but it does happen like so many other injustices in this world. If you already have a healthcare provider you like and trust, you might be worried about coming out to them.
Will they treat you differently? Will your care be compromised?
Let’s cover some of the common barriers people within the community can face in the healthcare industry, why your doctor should know if you’re LGBTQ+, and what to look for in a provider that won’t discriminate.
What Challenges Do LGBTQ+ People Face in Healthcare?
There are a variety of underserved populations in healthcare, including minorities and those in traditionally underserved or poverty-stricken communities. Those in the LGBTQ+ population are often underserved because of discrimination. Think it doesn’t exist? Consider some of these staggering statistics from a 2017 national survey:
- 8% of respondents said a healthcare provider refused to see them because of their sexual orientation.
- 6% said a doctor refused to provide them with care.
- 9% said a healthcare provider used abusive or harsh language while treating them.
- 7% said they received unwanted physical contact from their healthcare provider.
It should come as no surprise, then, that fewer LGBTQ+ are getting the healthcare they deserve. These statistics are more than numbers. They are people. They are stories. If someone you know had a negative experience with their doctor and told you about it, you’d be less likely to go. Maybe you even had a bad experience yourself, and have never trusted the medical industry again.
Several things need to be done to serve the LGBTQ+ community better, including:
- Federal initiatives
- Smart devices that make it easier to access public health care
- Education on inclusivity within the medical field
Unfortunately, it will take time for this kind of reform and restructuring to happen within the healthcare industry. In the meantime, what can you do to get the care you deserve, whether it's from your current doctor or someone new?
Why You Should Talk to Your Doctor
Building up a trusting relationship with a healthcare provider can take some time. Maybe you’ve been working with your doctor for years, and you trust their medical knowledge and like their personality.
However, maybe they don’t know your gender identity or sexual orientation. Maybe you’ve thought about telling them in the past but have been worried about discrimination.
While it’s always a risk, it’s important to come out to your doctor for medical purposes, if nothing else. Certain health issues affect higher proportions of the LGBTQ+ community, including:
- STIs
- Mental health issues
- Sexual assault
HIV is still a problem among members of the community, too. According to a 2010 study by the CDC, 63% of new HIV infections impacted men who had sex with other men.
From a mental health standpoint, telling your doctor can be both freeing and can get you the help you need. It’s not uncommon for those in the community to experience extra stress, anxiety, and depression due to discrimination and constant worry. Because LGBTQ+ people are also at a greater risk of sexual violence, finding the right mental health treatment for the aftermath is crucial. Medical attention is needed to document evidence and identify any injuries or long-term risks, as well as to set up a mental health treatment plan that will help you process what happened.Finding the Right Healthcare Provider
Whether you’ve experienced discrimination from your doctor or you want a clean slate in a place that will give you the care you deserve, there are a few things to look for in an LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare environment.
- First, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Shop around, and set up consultations with providers you’re interested in. Ask them about their experience with the LGBTQ+ community. You’ll get a lot of information from that answer, and can probably trust your “gut” with whether they’re comfortable or not.
- You should also do your research. Seek both online and offline resources for LGBTQ+-friendly physicians in your area. Read reviews, look for doctors who offer a safe and inclusive practice for everyone, and consider asking your friends about their personal experiences and where they go. Thankfully, despite the obstacles you might face in finding a doctor, it’s not impossible. Even if you live in a rural area or far away from a doctor who is willing to give you proper care, nowadays, it’s easier than ever to connect with the right provider.
- If you can’t find someone nearby, consider choosing telehealth services for your general well-being and for regular checkups. While they can’t cover everything, it can help to have a physician in your corner who you trust, even if they’re hundreds of miles away. Don’t let discrimination in the healthcare industry get you down. With a little bit of time, research, and doctor-shopping, you can find a provider who will give you care without judgment.
Charcoal grilled hamburgers are the best.
The weather is warming up, and that means it’s grilling time. It's time to invite friends over and fire up the grill. If you are new to grilling, it's best to start with the basics, and a charcoal grill is a perfect place to start.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, it's important to learn about the type of charcoal grill you have. Ensure everything is in working order and familiarize yourself with the air vents on the grill because these help you control the heat. If you are looking to buy one, you will need to consider which size is best for your needs. We recommend buying one with an ash container for easy cleanup. Charcoal grills come in different shapes and sizes, and the price range starts at around $100 and can go up from there.
Once you have your grill set up, you will need a couple of things.
- Charcoal
- Chimney starter (optional)
- Grilling tongs
- Pumice stone for cleaning the grill grate
- Heat resistant gloves
Choose Your Charcoal
Charcoal briquettes are the classic choice
Photo by Amin Hasani on UnsplashCharcoal grills, of course, use charcoal as fuel, and there are two types of charcoal you can use. Charcoal briquettes are the most affordable option. You can find them in any supermarket in a big bag. They create consistent heat and burn for an extended time. While they are inexpensive, they don't add much smoky flavor and the slow burn creates a lot of ash.
Hardwood charcoal is the more expensive option, but worth it if you love the smoky taste of grilled food. This type of charcoal burns quickly and leaves little ash for easy clean-up. If you want the best of both worlds, you can use both charcoals together.
Before you get started, you will want to make sure you have enough charcoal. The amount of charcoal needed depends on how much you are planning to cook and for how long. A rough estimate is if you are cooking hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken for a group, 4.5 to 5 pounds of charcoal is best. If you are cooking for 2-3 people, then 2.5 pounds of charcoal should be enough. And, if you are grilling a long-cooking cut of meat or using your grill as a smoker with lower heat but for an extended time then 2 pounds of charcoal is fine.
Light the Grill
Waiting for the grill to heat up is hard when you are hungry.
Photo by Erwan Hesry on UnsplashThere are a few ways to get your grill fired up. The most traditional way is to arrange the charcoal in a small pile on the grill and spray some lighter fluid on the charcoal. Always read the instructions on the bottle for the exact amount of fluid to use. Using too much lighter fluid can affect the flavor of your food. Give the charcoal a minute to absorb the fluid, then light the charcoal with a utility lighter. Once the charcoal is lit, resist the temptation to add more lighter fluid, it's dangerous, and it will be difficult to control the flame.
If you prefer not to use lighter fluid, you can use a chimney starter. Chimney starters are available at any hardware store, and if you grill frequently, they are a great investment. Using a chimney starter is the fastest way to get your charcoal piping hot. Some starters have a place to add either newspaper or fire starter cubes. Follow the instructions, add the charcoal to the starter, and light from there. Once hot, pour onto the grill. Use heat-resistant gloves for safety.
For tech lovers, there is also an electric charcoal starter. Just place the charcoal on the grill and touch the electric starter to the charcoal until it lights.
Another option to light the charcoal is a strike-able fire starter. They are like a large match that you can place in the middle of the charcoal to get the coals going.
However, you get your charcoal started, you will need to wait for your grill to heat up before you start cooking. It can take around 15- 20 minutes to get hot enough to cook your food. Most charcoal grills have a built-in thermometer to help you know when it reaches grilling temperature which is anywhere between 350 to 450 F. While your grill is heating up, you can prepare the grill grate.
Prepare the Grill Grate
Oil up the grill grate to keep juices meats from sticking.
Photo by Andrik Langfield on UnsplashYou should always start with a clean grill. While you don't need to deep clean the entire grill after each use, you should clean the grill grate before and after each use. Use a pumice stone made for grills to clean your grill grates. There are wire brushes on the market for this, too, but there have been cases of metal bristles breaking off and getting stuck on the grill and then sticking to food, so stick with a pumice cleaner.
Once the grate is clean, brush some oil on the grate to keep food from sticking. Save your olive oil for your salad. Instead, use a high heat oil like vegetable or canola.
Arrange Coals for Effective Cooking
Sear some steaks for the perfect grill marks.
Photo by Paul Hermann on UnsplashOnce the charcoal has heated up, you can use your grilling tongs to arrange the coals. Charcoal placement is key to coking with charcoal. As a general rule, you will want to have two cooking areas on your grill—one for direct heat to sear and one for indirect heat for foods that require longer cooking time. Searing is good for steaks, while indirect heat is better for meat on the bone and roasts.
Another option is to use grilling planks on the charcoal grill. Grilling planks are pieces of wood like cedar or alder that you can cook food on rather than placing the food straight on the grill. Soaking the planks in water for an hour prior to grilling ensures they won't burn. Then, place meats, fish, or vegetables on the plank for a smoky dish.
Cleaning Up the Grill After Use
Properly caring for a charcoal grill extends its life.
Photo by Taylor Grote on UnsplashWhen your last burger has been flipped, and it's time to turn off the grill, just close the vents and put the lid on the grill. Without air to fuel the fire, it will gradually burn out. This can take up to 48 hours for it to completely cool and be safe enough to remove the coal and ashes.
If you are in a hurry you can use your tongs and pull out each charcoal brisket and place it in a metal bucket filled with water. Scoop the hot ash into a metal container to let it cool. Never pour water onto a charcoal grill as it can damage the grill and leave a sludge that you will have to clean later. Plus, water directly on hot coals creates dangerous steam that can burn anyone near the grill.
When your charcoal grill is cooled and cleaned, it's ready to be stored for next time. While charcoal grills are sturdy and can be left outside, if you live in a colder climate you will want to ensure it is protected from the elements to extend the life of the grill.
Tips and Tricks for Charcoal Grills
- Resist the temptation to flip your food too much
- Control the heat by using the vents and lid
- Keep the heat around 350° F for most foods or 450° F for searing
- Add a handful of wood chips like hickory or mesquite to the coals for more flavor
Get Creative with Grilled Food
Did you know you can grill more foods than just your standard hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks? Try your hand at grilling different foods like:
- Pineapple rings
- Zucchini slices
- Pizza
- Eggplant slices
- Cabbage steaks
Best Campgrounds for Lesbians
Lesbians and queer women assemble! We have put together a list of some of the best women-only and LGBTQ+ friendly campgrounds in the U.S. Trying to find safe and fun places to travel to and stay at shouldn't be a hassle, so we've done most of the work for you. All you have to do is select one of these incredible destinations and get to packing. Enjoy our list of the best lesbian campgrounds around!
Windover Women's Resort, Owendale, MI
Go canoeing
Photo by Michael Niessl on UnsplashFounded in the 1980s, Windover Women's Resort was created to provide all women with a safe outdoor camping experience. Located in Owendale, Michigan, the resort offers many amenities and activities to women over the age of 18. With an in-ground heated swimming pool, clubhouse, camp store, and multi sports-court, you will never be bored during your stay here.
Windover Women's Resort
Sugarloaf Women's Village, Sugarloaf Key, FL
Florida Camping
Photo by Jorge Vasconez on UnsplashIn 1976 Barbara Deming and her partner Jane Verlaine moved to the Florida Keys, where they created the oasis now known as Sugarloaf Women's Village. The lush acreage on Sugarloaf Key boasts four houses, two guest cottages, and a campground for RV and tent campers. Women are welcome to camp here for a few days up to several weeks, or they may submit an application for residency if they wish to stay for an extended period of time. Though only lesbians are permitted to live full-time here, any woman is welcome to camp or visit. Sugarloaf fosters a sense of community among the women who stay there and is an idyllic escape for anyone wishing to spend time in the Keys.
Sugarloaf Women's Village
The Woods Camping Resort, Lehighton, PA
Pocono Mountain camping
Photo by photo nic on UnsplashNestled in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, The Woods is a membership-only LGBTQ+ camping resort for the 18+ crowd. Book one of their campsites for tent camping or RV camping, or get cozy in one of their on-site cabins. The Woods offers many amenities, whether you stay for the weekend or the month. Hang in the clubhouse with friends, join in group activities on the lake, or check out the dance club when the sun goes down. The Woods is a great place to escape with friends or lovers or to meet new people.
The Woods Camping Resort
El Morro, Ramah, NM
Camping in New Mexico
Photo by Julia Karnavusha on UnsplashHigh in the mountains of New Mexico beneath a sacred mesa, El Morro is home to an RV park, campground, cabins, and highly rated cafe. Visit this campground to experience the healing energy of the land and connect to the past. Explore lava flows, prehistoric ruins, Native American arts and crafts, and red rock mesas. Bike, hike, paddle, eat, or just relax and soak in the splendors of nature. A popular destination for rock climbing, caving, and viewing wildlife, there are countless pastimes to keep you busy during your stay here. While not LGBTQ+ exclusive, El Morro is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for everyone, specifically members of the LGBTQ+ community.
El Morro
Coastal Acres Campground, Provincetown, MA
Visiting Cape Cod
Photo by Abel Y Costa on UnsplashIf you are looking for the best in nature and in LGBTQ+ nightlife, check out Coastal Acres Campground in Provincetown, Maine. P-town has long been a popular LGBTQ+ destination, with rainbow-flag-lined streets, many queer-owned businesses, and plenty of themed nights and weekends. Within walking or biking distance to downtown Provincetown, Coastal Acres Campground offers tent and RV camping for the whole family, including your four-legged friends. Enjoy the beaches of Cape Cod and the culture of P-town during your stay here and take advantage of all of the campground amenities while you are at it.