A group opposing the Desert Discovery Center in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve has filed a notice of intent – the precursor to a lawsuit -- against the city of Scottsdale.
"We are hoping that with our continued noise and attention and visibility that we will force our politicians to bring it to a public vote," said Jason Alexander, who leads the group NoDDC. "This is just more spending for something we think is going to be a money loser."
The multi-million dollar complex, promising to feature a range of eco exhibits, would be located off Thompson Peak Road at the Gateway trailhead. The non-profit group tasked creating a viable business plan for the facility is expected to finalize their proposal next month.
"I think people are going to be really happy and, some, surprised at how hard we did listen to community input," Sam Campana, Executive Director of Desert Discovery Center Scottsdale, told ABC15.
"I think the proof will be in the pudding. When people see the final project that we bring forward they are going to be very happy,” she said.
Campana is staying tight-lipped on details but says the facility would be between 20,000 and 72,000 square feet. Sketch renderings show a window-filled rotunda and interactive experiences, including a digital sandbox.
Scottsdale city council could choose to vote on funding the project without putting it in the hands of the public. Opponents say the center is unneeded, will create traffic headaches and fear it will ‘commercialize’ the preserve.
"As a tax-conscious citizen, we want to make sure that our taxes go where we voted them for and that we are represented fairly," Alexander said.
