Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky has taken decisive action to address concerns from businesses along 5th Avenue in Old Town Scottsdale, leading to the immediate implementation of improved communication safeguards from the city manager’s office.
Mayor Borowsky’s swift response follows recent media reports and direct communications from business owners regarding the ongoing road closure, the result of a nearby private development.
The closure — which began on June 23 and is slated to continue through July 23 — has significantly impacted local businesses, according to 5th Avenue owners.
“I understand that essential infrastructure improvements are a vital necessity, and the city routinely schedules these projects during summer months when traffic is typically lighter,” Mayor Borowsky said. “However, we must prioritize our local businesses, many of whom already face challenges during this time of year — we can, and we must, do better to ensure the city’s improvements do not cause added hardship.”
The impetus for Mayor Borowsky’s intervention stemmed from a recent lapse in communication where a contractor failed to notify businesses along 5th Avenue about the street closure associated with a nearby private development project.
In response to this, City Manager Greg Caton has directed that new safeguards be implemented to enhance construction notification processes city-wide.
These new safeguards will include:
- An additional level of review and coordination to ensure all businesses impacted by street closures are notified prior to the start of such projects.
- A requirement for proof of communication, including city auditing compliance.
- Provision of draft templates to assist contractors in providing sufficient notice and requisite communication throughout the specified notification boundaries.
Regarding the current 5th Avenue project, upon becoming aware of the notification failure, the city quickly mobilized to distribute detailed information about the scope and timing of the improvements to all impacted businesses, posted information on all city media channels about businesses remaining open during construction and provided revised “open for business” signage for the area.
These proactive steps allowed traffic to return to normal in the affected area while further outreach and messaging are conducted. The city acknowledges and accepts responsibility for this lapse in advance communications and has refined its review process to prevent future occurrences.
“Our small and independent businesses are the heart of Old Town and a crucial part of what makes Scottsdale unique,” Mayor Borowsky pointed out. “As mayor, my priority is to ensure the city acts as a strong partner to these businesses and all employers that contribute to our economic vitality. We must be mindful of our residents and businesses and take every appropriate step to mitigate harm during necessary infrastructure projects.”
