Scottsdale & Happy Valley Roads...

Land sale plan raises ire, from the Arizona Republic, reports that Tempe-based SunCor Development Company has applied to the State Land Department to purchase a 1,713-acre tract of land northeast of Scottsdale and Happy Valley roads. This has angered Scottsdale leaders who want to preserve that land as open space. But a price tag of nearly $500 million could put it out of Scottsdale's reach. "This is so premature," Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross said Monday, adding that the city had not expected this land's sale for at least five years. The 1,713-acre tract stretches all the way to Pima Road and Dynamite Blvd., and has a wash and power line cutting across it that will limit how much can be developed. It is zoned for low-density housing of no more than one home per acre. The land has not been appraised yet but State Land Commissioner Mark Winkelman roughly estimates that it could bring in close to $300,000 per-acre. The auction for it is not likely for 9 to 12 months, he added. "Bringing it forward does not prevent Scottsdale from purchasing it," Winkelman said, adding that the city will have to prioritize which lands it wants most for its preserve.

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